Innovative approach to oral health in Sjögren's syndrome: New study on antibacterial treatment starts in May
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that often leads to dry mouth and increases the risk of dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. A new light-activated antibacterial treatment addresses these oral health challenges by targeting the underlying bacterial causes.
Dry mouth caused by Sjögren's syndrome significantly increases the risk of oral diseases such as tooth decay and gum diseases like periodontitis.1 Antibacterial Lumoral therapy represents an innovative approach to reducing these risks.2 For the first time, the effectiveness of the treatment is being explored in Sjögren's syndrome patients. The study will be conducted by oral hygiene students from Metropolia University of Applied Sciences as part of a thesis project.
“The oral health challenges faced by Sjögren's patients are often complex. Through this study, we aim to find new ways to alleviate these problems and prevent related complications,” says Tina Mäkelä, executive director of the Sjögren Patients Association in Finland.
Since Sjögren's syndrome leads to reduced saliva production, patients are particularly vulnerable to oral diseases. The lack of saliva weakens the mouth's natural defense system, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease, as well as severe infections of the oral mucosa that often require antibiotic treatment. Reduced saliva production, leading to a dry mouth, can make everyday activities such as eating and speaking challenging. This underscores the importance of preventive care in supporting the oral health of Sjögren's patients.1,3
The antibacterial Lumoral method, developed by a group of Finnish scientists, offers a new solution for managing oral health risks in patients suffering from xerostomia (dry mouth). The device, currently available in more than 30 European and Asian countries, is not yet sold in the United States. The new study, which will recruit 15 participants, will be conducted in collaboration among the Finnish Sjögren Patients Association, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, and Finnish health technology startup Koite Health Ltd.
According to Mikko Kylmänen, clinical project manager at Koite Health, the unique and varied symptoms of Sjögren's syndrome patients make this study particularly valuable.
“The symptoms of Sjögren's patients vary greatly, so their treatment also requires a tailored approach. This study will help us better understand which oral care solutions work best for different patient groups,” Kylmänen explains.
Combining antibacterial light therapy with traditional oral hygiene
Lumoral treatment, recommended by the Finnish Oral Hygiene Association, enhances oral hygiene by combining regular mechanical tooth cleaning with light-activated therapy.2,4 The approach effectively reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing dental and gum diseases and slowing the formation of new dental plaque—a soft, clear or yellow film of bacteria that can be removed by regular oral hygiene practices. If dental plaque remains on the teeth too long, it hardens into tartar, which is usually darker and can only be removed by a dental professional.
“Additionally, the Lumoral method supports natural saliva production by stimulating the salivary glands through photobiomodulation, which can improve oral moisture balance and overall oral health,” Kylmänen continues.
Unlike antibiotics, the antibacterial Lumoral treatment is based on a mechanism that makes it harder for bacteria to develop resistance. According to Mikko Kylmänen, the antibacterial Lumoral method is particularly beneficial for individuals who need an effective adjunctive treatment to support their oral health and prevent serious infections from developing or worsening.
“Sjögren's syndrome is just one of many underlying conditions predisposing patients to oral diseases,” he adds.
Several systemic diseases can predispose individuals to oral diseases. For instance, diabetes is a significant risk factor for periodontal disease due to its impact on blood sugar levels and immune response. Cardiovascular diseases are also linked to oral health issues, as inflammation and bacteria from periodontal disease can contribute to heart conditions. Additionally, conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis can affect the bones and tissues supporting the teeth, increasing susceptibility to oral diseases.
A clinical study by students
Metropolia University of Applied Sciences students Sini Laaksonen and Milla Kiviniemi will conduct a two-month follow-up as part of the study.
“We will monitor the participants’ oral health development over two months to assess how regular Lumoral treatment affects their oral health. We are excited about the study and look forward to conducting clinical measurements,” the students say.
Lecturer, researcher, and dental hygienist Saila Pakarinen is supervising the study. She emphasizes that students receive thorough guidance in designing the research framework and conducting ethical approval processes. Pakarinen sees excellent potential in Lumoral treatment for improving the oral health of special patient groups, such as those with Sjögren's syndrome.
“A two-month follow-up period is sufficient for a pilot study. Since the thesis must be completed within a year, students need enough time to analyze the data and report the results, making a two-month follow-up appropriate,” Pakarinen states.
She also highlights the need for oral health professionals to deepen their knowledge of the needs of special patient groups such as those with Sjögren's syndrome. This enables them to create personalized treatment plans and to select appropriate oral self-care tools based on patients' specific needs.
“Personalized treatment plans and selecting the right oral self-care tools are key to improving Sjögren patients’ quality of life,” Pakarinen adds.
Although the study is still in its early stages, Pakarinen expects Lumoral to offer significant benefits for patients with Sjögren's syndrome.
“Published studies have already demonstrated that Lumoral treatment helps control plaque and balances the oral microbiome, preventing the worsening of oral diseases,” she explains.
Toward a better quality of life
Several studies on the effectiveness of antibacterial Lumoral treatment are underway in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. Europe's most extensive periodontitis study demonstrates that adding Lumoral to daily oral care significantly improves treatment outcomes for periodontitis patients. The study also confirms that Lumoral helps users achieve better oral hygiene.
In Lithuania, a study is currently investigating the effectiveness of the Lumoral device in treating severe periodontitis. The LumoKaunas2023 clinical trial is examining the impact of regular Lumoral use on the treatment of advanced (stages III–IV) chronic periodontitis. A total of 60 participants have been recruited for this study.
The new Lumoral study focusing on patients with Sjögren’s syndrome aims to improve their quality of life by providing more effective oral care methods. At the same time, it could open new opportunities for training and developing expertise among oral health professionals.
Researching the oral health of individuals with Sjögren's syndrome is essential, as oral complications significantly affect their overall quality of life and general health. Preventing oral diseases can reduce health-care costs and alleviate the strain on the health-care system.5
“Addressing oral health issues can reduce systemic inflammation and its related complications. Preventing oral diseases can also help lower health-care costs and ease the burden on the health-care system. However, the primary goal of this research is to improve the quality of life for Sjögren's patients, enabling them to live as normal and comfortable a life as possible despite their condition,” concludes Mäkelä.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.
References
- Maleki-Fischbach M, Kastsianok L, Koslow M, Chan ED. Manifestations and management of Sjögren's disease. Arthritis Res Ther. 2024;26(1):43. doi:10.1186/s13075-024-03262-4
- Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of stable chronic periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—three-month interim results. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(11):206. doi:10.3390/dj10110206
- al-Hashimi I. The management of Sjögren's syndrome in dental practice. J Am Dent Assoc. 2001;132(10):1409-417. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2001.0056
- The Finnish Oral Hygiene Association recommends Lumoral. Finnish Association of Dental Hygienists. September 1, 2022. https://www.suuhygienistiliitto.fi/suomen-suuhygienistiliitto-suosittelee-lumoralia/
- Sjögrenliitto’s report on oral care costs. Finland’s Sjögren’s Patient’s Association. https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Afb75d3ab-801c-3c82-945a-546f4780b9e1
