Low-Level Diode Laser Therapy (LLLT) versus Topical Corticosteroids in the Management of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on recurrent aphthous stomatitis for reduction of pain score and ulcer size. Subjects and Methods: 28 participants with symptomatic minor recurrent aphthous ulcers were randomly allocated into two groups. The treatment group received a 980 nm diode laser and the control group received topical triamcinolone acetonide 0.1%. The measured outcomes included pain score as visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline, second day, and seventh day, and the lesion size at baseline and seventh day. Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the laser and the corticosteroid groups when comparing VAS scores on day two (pain reduction was -2.2 ± 0.9 and -4.786 ± 1 for corticosteroid and laser groups respectively with a p -value of 0.001) and day seven (pain reduction was -4.643 ± 1.646 and -6.071 ± 1.439 for corticosteroid and laser groups respectively with a p -value of 0.024) in favor of the laser group. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was noticed between the laser and the corticosteroid groups regarding the decrease in lesion size (lesion diameter reduction was -3.036 ± 1.447 and -4.536 ± 1.846 for corticosteroid and laser groups respectively with a p -value of 0.024) in favor of the laser group. Two participants experienced severe mouth dryness after corticosteroid application. None of the laser patients experienced any side effects. Conclusion: LLLT can be considered a reliable alternative to topical steroids in the management of recurrent aphthous ulcers since it was more effective in reducing both pain intensity and ulcer size.