Long-term efficacy of photobiomodulation in burning mouth syndrome: a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
This secondary analysis investigated the long-term efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing pain symptoms associated with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and explored proposed factors contributing to pain recurrence at 12-month follow-up.
METHODS
A secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial categorized BMS patients into responders (≥ 23% VAS reduction) and non-responders (< 23% reduction). Patients were divided into four groups: PBM + oral cryotherapy (OCT, n = 24), PBM (n = 25), OCT (n = 24), and drug therapy (DT, n = 20). Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). Binary logistic regression identified clinically significant recurrence risk factors, controlling for potential confounders. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Among 93 BMS patients, 68 (73.1%) were responders, of whom 37 (54.4%) experienced pain recurrence within 2.55-5.33 months post-treatment. The recurrence group had relatively higher pain intensity, poorer oral health-related quality of life, and more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to non-recurrence patients (p < 0.05). PBM + OCT combination therapy showed a lower recurrence rate (45.0%, 9/20) and longer recurrence-free duration (5.33 ± 2.96 months), while PBM alone demonstrated comparable efficacy (22.2% complete remission; 33.3% recurrence). Xerostomia (OR = 5.49, p = 0.020) and mental stress (OR = 12.62, p = 0.024) were potentially associated with increased recurrence…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 93 participants or records.
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