Effects of Regular Dual-Light Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Health in Assisted Living Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of dual-light antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on oral health among older people living in assisted living facilities (ALF), comparing it to conventional oral self-care guidance. Methods: In this parallel-group, two-arm randomized controlled pilot study, functional older adults living in assisted living facilities were randomized in a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive either conventional oral self-care guidance or guidance combined with regular dual-light aPDT home-care device. Clinical measurements, VPI (Visible Plaque Index) and CPITN (Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs), were conducted on-site using a mobile dental chair, and participants completed questionnaires on self-care habits, motivation, and oral dryness. Mouthrinse aMMP-8 levels were measured using a point-of-care assay. The follow-up period was 2 months. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Results: The final analysis included data on twenty-eight consented participants aged 51 to 95, of whom 17 were female and 11 were male. A significant reduction in dental biofilm was observed in both groups based on VPI measurements. Participants in the treatment group showed a significant improvement in periodontal health according to CPITN (p = 0.0006), but that was not apparent in the control group. aMMP-8 mouthrinse positivity reduced in both groups. Objectively measured oral dryness improved in both groups. Conclusion: Dual-light aPDT may be an effective adjunct to conventional oral self-care in assisted living facilities.