Comparative Study Between Photodynamic Therapy with LED Associated with Probiotics in the Treatment of Halitosis - Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial

What this Trial Is About

Halitosis, or bad breath, is caused by odors from the mouth that may come from local or systemic sources. This research evaluates whether antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with LED light combined with probiotics is more effective in reducing halitosis compared to other treatments. The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 92 adults aged 18 to 60 years diagnosed with halitosis and specific levels of sulfhydride gas. Participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups: a control group practicing brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping; a group receiving those oral hygiene practices plus weekly aPDT with blue LED and annatto; a group receiving aPDT combined with probiotic lozenges containing Streptococcus salivarius K12; and a group receiving oral hygiene plus the probiotic lozenges alone. The aPDT sessions are conducted weekly for 30 days, and probiotic lozenges are taken twice daily for the same period. Throughout the study, halitosis levels are measured before treatment, immediately after, and at 30 and 60 days post-treatment using halimetry. Microbiological and microbiome analyses of tongue coating bacteria are performed at these same times. All participants receive oral hygiene instructions and materials. Data will be statistically analyzed to compare treatment effects. The overall study period extends until December 2025.

Comparative Study Between Photodynamic Therapy with LED Associated with Probiotics in the Treatment of Halitosis