The effect of photodynamic therapy on the salivary flow rate, IgA concentration and C-reactive protein levels in active smokers: a case-control study

M.S. Hameed, M.A. Kamran, S.M. Kaleem, S. Syed, M. Ajmal, M.L. Manikandath

Department of Diagnostic Sciences and Oral Biology, Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. mhmead@kku.edu.sa

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• Dentistry

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the salivary flow rate, secretory immunoglobulin A, and C-reactive protein levels in active smokers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study is a prospective case-control study. Twenty active smokers were allocated to two groups randomly of ten participants each: the experimental group was irradiated while the control was exposed to sham irradiation by turning off the equipment. In the experimental group, methylene blue mediated PDT was applied both intra- and extra-orally over the major and minor salivary glands using a diode laser. 780 nm wavelength and 4 J/cm2 of energy were used to irradiate the 10 points of major salivary glands (6 for parotid and 2 for submandibular glands and 2 for sublingual glands). On the other hand, 660 nm was used to apply 10 J/cm2 of energy over the minor salivary glands at numerous points. The samples of the stimulated and unstimulated saliva were collected from both groups to assess the SFR. ELISA method was used to assess the level of salivary IgA levels, statistical analysis was done using a one-way ANOVA, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: The results showed a significant increment in salivary and secretory immunoglobulin A levels of subjects undergone photodynamic therapy. C-reactive protein levels were significantly decreased in subjects exposed to irradiation.

CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that photodynamic therapy significantly improves the salivary flow rate, secretory Immunoglobulin A, and oral health quality of life in smokers. The inflammatory salivary marker C-reactive protein, which is usually raised in smokers, is also reduced.

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