Low-level laser therapy as an alternative for the treatment of oral mucositis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate, through a literature review, the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing antineoplastic therapies. Literature review: Oral mucositis is one of the most frequent and debilitating complications associated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy, particularly in patients with head and neck cancer. It is characterized by inflammation of the oral mucosa, painful ulcerations, and functional impairment of the stomatognathic system, which may negatively affect eating, speaking, and the continuity of oncologic treatment. The literature indicates that low-level laser therapy presents analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and biostimulatory effects, contributing to the reduction in lesion severity, acceleration of tissue repair, and prevention of the progression of oral mucositis. Furthermore, several studies report significant improvement in patients’ quality of life when this therapeutic approach is used. However, variability in application parameters among studies highlights the lack of standardized clinical protocols and the need for individualized treatment approaches. Final considerations: Low-level laser therapy appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic alternative for the management of oral mucositis. However, further studies are required to establish standardized clinical protocols.