Photobiomodulation therapy for the management of recurrent aphthous stomatitis in children: clinical effectiveness and parental satisfaction

Background: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the treatment of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (MiRAS) in children, in terms of pain relief, lesion size reduction and the parental satisfaction of the therapy. Material and Methods: This randomized controlled study was carried out on 60 children with clinical diagnosis of MiRAS. Patients were randomized into two groups: group A receiving laser therapy and group B receiving sham therapy (placebo). Laser therapy (diode laser, λ: 645 nm) was administered on day 1 (T0) for three consecutive days. Patients were evaluated also on day 4 (T1), on day 7 (T2) and on day 10 (T3). Oral aphthous lesions size was assessed through a periodontal probe to measure the diameter length (mm); pain was evaluated through the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS); parental satisfaction was assessed through a questionnaire. Results: The difference in the reduction of ulcers diameters between the two groups resulted statistically significant at T1 and at T2 (p<0.05). A statistically significant difference in pain reduction between two groups was found at T1 (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference between the two groups of parents was found as concerns the parental acceptance of the procedure and the discomfort for the need of multiple appointments. Conclusions: PBMT is to be considered effective in the treatment of MiRAS in children and well- accepted by the parents of the children themselves.