The effect of photodynamic therapy in controlling the oral biofilm: A comprehensive overview

Several resistance mechanisms are involved in dental caries, including oral biofilms. An accumulation of bacteria on the surface of teeth is called plaque. Periodontitis and gingivitis are caused by dental plaque. In this review article, we aimed to review the studies associated with the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) to prevent and treat various microbial biofilm-caused oral diseases in recent decades. There are several studies published in PubMed that have described antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) effects on microorganisms. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the potential of APDT for treating endodontic, periodontal, and mucosal infections caused by bacteria as biofilms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are activated in the presence of oxygen by integrating a nontoxic photosensitizer (PS) with appropriate wavelength visible light. By causing irreversible damage to microorganisms, ROS induces some biological and photochemical events. Testing several wavelengths has been conducted to identify potential PS for APDT. A standard protocol is not yet available, and the current review summarizes findings from dental studies on APDT.

Automated summary

This review article aims to summarize the studies on the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in preventing and treating oral diseases caused by microbial biofilms in recent decades. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT) has shown potential in treating endodontic, periodontal, and mucosal infections caused by bacteria as biofilms. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by a non-toxic photosensitizer (PS) and visible light with appropriate wavelength can cause irreversible damage to microorganisms. However, a standardized protocol for APDT is not yet available.