People who are diagnosed with Ulcers often end up researching for the latest methods to get treatment. Earlier, it was new for them to learn about red light therapy treatment. Now, it’s not more shocking, but still, there are underlying myths and rumors. To make your decision stronger on this therapy treatment we are going to share all the research-based findings only.
But first things first, do learn about oral ulcers defined by medical experts. An ulcer is a disease in which two skin tissues are affected: epithelium and connective tissue. There is a loss of tissue in both parts of the mucous membrane. They are secondary lesions in the inner moist lining of the mouth.
There are different types of oral ulcers prevailing presently. One of the widely spread types is Aphthous ulcer, which occurs on the inner surface of the lips and in the lower region of the tongue. Currently, it is affecting 20% of the population and <50% in some groups of professional school students. From a socioeconomic point of view, it has been observed that high socioeconomic groups are more affected than low ones.
Oral ulcers are spread not only in the USA but also widely in every inhabited continent. Studies have shown that the international population (2-66%) is affected by ulcers.
What is the Ultimate Treatment for Oral Ulcer?
Now here comes the lightening hope, and it’s none other than the safest Red-Light Therapy! Yes, you read it right, let us introduce you to all aspects of this treatment.
How Come RLT is a Promising Treatment?
Red light therapy (RLT) is one of the promising treatments because it showed promising results in treating scars, wrinkles, acne, aging signs, and redness. Other than this it is gaining popularity among a number of significant dental and medical professionals. And it is considered one of the most effective treatments for treating lesions in mouth areas. It is speeding up the recovery time as well. However, one must know how often should you use red light therapy as per the experts.
Features of Red-Light Therapy for Oral Ulcer
RLT is a non-invasive approach in the treatment of ulcers, and it is one of the best plus points. It diffuses in the inner lining of mucosa. It treats the lesions by enhancing the normal function of cells.
It is also known as low-level light therapy and this kind of treatment basically combines red and infrared light’s wavelengths to treat the wounded area, which works by stimulating the repairing and healing process in the targeted area.
Red light therapy helps the patient by relieving the pain, trouble in eating, and all other kinds of discomfort; and activates the body’s natural process of healing.
The wavelength of 460nm is commonly used to treat infections, while the wavelength of 660 nm is preferably used to treat tissues and enhance the repairing process. If we go for a combination of bother, then for sure it will speed up the overall healing process.
How Does Red-Light Therapy Work in Patients?
We have already explained the main features quite well, but specifically, if we discuss the patients’ cases then there are different ways in which the RLT works on patients.
- It heals the lesions by increasing the blood flow of the body and relieves the pain symptoms by reducing the inflammation in the affected area.
- It also boosts the natural immune system so the body can start its own healing process, as it triggers the body’s defense system to produce white blood cells and other antigens.
- RLT also increases the production of fibroblast in the body which in return stimulates collagen making. Collagen is a type of connective tissue that rebuilds the skin.
The RLT’s devices Preferred by Medical Experts
There are a few Red-Light devices that are available online to use. If you go for any device purchase, make sure to buy the best handheld red light therapy wand which is the most user-friendly one.
- High irradiance.In general, means high efficiency, which reduces inflammation and promotes wound recovery in a shorter period of time.
- Suitable wavelengths 460nm blue light helps to sterilize and anti-inflammatory, combined with 660nm red light promotes cell recovery and accelerates wound healing.
- Suitable equipment size. The oral cavity, as a place that is difficult to reach with ordinary red lightpanels, can be used with a pen or stick structure device.
References:
- Porter SR, Leao JC. Review article: oral ulcers and its relevance to systemic disorders. Alimen Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21: 295–306.
- Shulman JD, Beach MM, Rivera-Hidalgo F. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions in U.S. adults: data from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988–94. J Am Dent Assoc 2004; 135: 1279–86.
- Porter SR, Leao JC. Review article: oral ulcers and its relevance to systemic disorders. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2005; 21: 295–306.
- Chavan, M., Jain, H., Diwan, N., Khedkar, S., Shete, A., & Durkar, S. (2012). Recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a review. Journal of oral pathology & medicine, 41(8).
- Mumcu, G. O. N. C. A., Inanc, N., Ergun, T., Ikiz, K., Gunes, M., Islek, U., ... & Direskeneli, H. (2006). Oral health-related quality of life is affected by disease activity in Behçet's disease. Oral diseases, 12(2), 145-151.
- Avci, P., Gupta, A., Sadasivam, M., Vecchio, D., Pam, Z., Pam, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2013, March). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) in skin: stimulating, healing, restoring. In Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery (Vol. 32, No. 1, p. 41). NIH Public Access.
