Low level light therapy in the management of paediatric oral and oropharyngeal mucositis

Abstract

Oral and oropharyngeal mucositis is a common, debilitating condition experienced by patients undergoing oncology treatment. There are many different management strategies, with low level light therapy (LLLT) an emerging field. Ongoing research on the topic of LLLT for mucositis has resulted in LLLT being included in national clinical guidelines. The number of centres currently using LLLT for paediatric patients with oropharyngeal mucositis is growing, with Glasgow having successfully used this treatment method for a number of years. Across medicine and dentistry, LLLT is coming to the fore and is a treatment modality of which we should all be aware. CPD/Clinical Relevance: New technologies and treatment modalities are areas with which practitioners should stay up to date. Low level light therapy continues to be a growing research field.