I'd like to discuss Photo-activated Disinfection (PAD) in the oral cavity using Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and why it holds particular relevance for biotoxin illnesses or chronic conditions (since, oftentimes, biotoxin illnesses like lyme disease involve an overgrowth of pathogenic microbes in the oral cavity).
To set the stage, let's start by understanding how PAD works and the potential havoc microbes can wreak on the body, even when these microbes originate in the mouth.
PAD involves several key steps:
1. Photosensitizer Application: We begin by applying a photosensitizing agent to the targeted area in the oral cavity. This agent, often a dye or chemical compound, has an affinity for microbial cells such as bacteria or fungi, making it absorbable by them.
2. Absorption by Microbes: The photosensitizer is then absorbed by the microbial cells present in the oral cavity.
3. Activation of the Photosensitizer by Laser Light: After allowing time for the photosensitizer to accumulate around microbial cells, we use a specific wavelength of light to illuminate the area, matching the photosensitizer's absorption peak. Unlike high-power lasers that can cause thermal damage, LLLT employs low-power light in milliwatts, reducing the risk of thermal damage to surrounding structures.
4. Interaction with Oxygen Molecules: The activated photosensitizer enters an excited state and interacts with oxygen molecules in the environment. This interaction converts molecular oxygen (O2) into highly reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as singlet oxygen (1O2), which are toxic to microbial cells.
5. Microbial Cell Damage: ROS, like singlet oxygen, cause extensive damage to microbial cells, oxidizing lipids, proteins, and DNA, ultimately leading to cell death.
As a result of PAD, the targeted microbial cells are effectively eliminated, leading to disinfection of the treated area within the oral cavity. This reduction in microbial load can have positive effects on infection treatment, inflammation reduction, and overall oral health. It's crucial to ensure proper oxygenation in the treated area.
Now, let's delve into some relevant studies highlighting the use of PAD with LLLT in the oral cavity:
- In a study, root canals of extracted teeth were experimentally infected with E. faecalis and treated with Methylene blue and 665-nm laser light. This resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial counts, with potential for further optimization of photosensitizer concentration and light parameters.
- Various studies have explored the effectiveness of PAD with LLLT against oral candida overgrowth. Promising results were observed using Toluidine blue, methylene blue, malachite green, and low-power laser irradiation in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy against Candida albicans.
The significance of PAD with LLLT becomes evident when considering the potential harm caused by pathogenic and biotoxin-producing microbes residing in the oral cavity. These issues can have far-reaching consequences, particularly in two key areas: the brain and gut.
1. Brain Health: Biotoxin illnesses often lead to neuroinflammation, increasing the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's. Additionally, toxins in the oral cavity can easily reach the brain, emphasizing the importance of addressing oral infections as part of the healing process.
2. Gut Health: Dysbiosis in the oral microbiome can extend to the gut, as microbes from the oral cavity can enter the gastrointestinal tract. While the body has mechanisms to control this, persistent issues can arise. LLLT with photoactivated disinfection offers promise in mitigating these concerns.
In conclusion, PAD with LLLT holds significant promise, especially concerning biotoxin illnesses and their impact on overall health. Numerous holistic and biological dentists offer this treatment.
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