Welcome to the blog of Marisol Light Project!
Dr. Nicola Vilaplana, a dentist with special training in Therapy Photobiomodulation (PBMT)
Although my main field is orthodontics, photobiomodulation, and other therapeutic applications of light have a much more broad in medicine and dentistry. That's why, through the Marisol Light Project, I dedicate part of my job to explain this technology beyond the dental chair, approaching the science of light, patients and professionals.
Today I want to share with you one of the most interesting applications that I have known in the field of oral health: the use of light as an adjunct in the management of periodontal disease, specifically using a device called a Lumoral.
The challenge silent: what actually is periodontal disease?
When we think of oral health, we usually think of the decay, or to have your teeth aligned. However, there is a fundamental principal that deserves much more attention: the gums and the tissues that hold our teeth.
Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition related to the accumulation of bacteria organized in a structure called the dental biofilm. If not properly controlled, can evolve from initial signs such as bleeding when brushing to a progressive loss of the bone that supports the teeth.
One of the biggest challenges is that, during its early stages, it can move silently and without pain, so regular checkups with your dentist are critical.
In the clinic, we see every day the importance of maintaining a good periodontal health. This is not only to get a smile aligned, but to ensure that the tissues surrounding the teeth are healthy and you can keep them strong throughout life.
How can light help to our gums? Knowing the device Lumoral
The research on technologies based on light are opening up new possibilities in dentistry. As we use certain forms of light to promote healing of tissues, relieve discomfort or to accompany different dental treatments, we have also developed technologies designed to act on the bacterial ecosystem oral.
Lumoral is a device intraoral that combines photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial (aPDT) Therapy and Photobiomodulation (PBMT). This technology uses a photosensitive substance along with two wavelengths of light specific to produce an action located in front of microorganisms associated with periodontal disease and, at the same time, encouraging the natural processes of recovery of the tissue.
The process is carried out in three steps:
- Preparation using a photosensitizer: It is applied in the mouth with a special solution called a photosensitizer, which preferentially binds to certain microorganisms associated with periodontal disease.
- Activation by light: The patient uses the device Lumoral, which emits two wavelengths specific for 10 minutes.
- Antimicrobial action of localized and photobiomodulation: Lumoral uses two wavelengths that act in a complementary way. The light of 405 nm exerts antibacterial action directly on the plaque bacteria, while the light of 810 nm activates the photosensitizer bound to the plate to produce the antimicrobial effect. In addition, this same wavelength can exert an effect of photobiomodulation (PBMT) on the gingival tissues.
We could imagine it as a treatment of action: the photosensitizer is mainly concentrated in plaque and, when activated with light, it mainly acts on the microorganisms associated with periodontal disease, without seeking to remove indiscriminately all the oral flora. Many bacteria present in our mouth are part of an ecosystem necessary for the health.
What the science tells us? The evidence behind Lumoral
As a health care professional, my main focus is always on the available scientific evidence. Clinical studies of Lumoral show promising results when used as a complementary treatment along with therapy periodontal conventional.
Between the results observed include:
Reduction of bacteria associated with periodontal disease
Photodynamic therapy, antimicrobial has demonstrated the ability to reduce microorganisms associated with periodontitis, including species that are considered to be important in the progression of the disease, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Improvement of periodontal clinical parameters
Clinical studies with Lumoral as an adjunct to periodontal treatment conventional have been improvements in parameters such as:
- Bleeding on probing.
- Gingival inflammation.
- Rates of bacterial plaque.
- Some parameters related to the depth of the periodontal pockets.
A complementary tool in the treatment of periodontal
The current evidence supports the use of Lumoral as an additional tool within a comprehensive approach to periodontal health, together with a correct oral hygiene, maintenance and professional periodontal treatment when necessary.
How do we use it in the clinic? A realistic perspective
It is important to clarify a key point: Lumoral is not a substitute for brushing, the interdental hygiene, dental exams and treatment periodontal indicated by a professional. It is considered a complementary tool or adjuvant that can be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan.
In the clinic could be interesting in situations such as:
- Patients who, despite maintaining a good oral hygiene and to go regularly to controls, are areas with persistent inflammation.
- As a complement after periodontal treatments deep to help the control of bacterial biofilm.
- In patients with orthodontics, where maintaining proper hygiene can be more complicated due to the presence of braces or other devices.
From my perspective as an orthodontist, it is particularly interesting because an orthodontic successful not only depend on the rate of tooth movement, but also to maintain periodontal tissues healthy throughout the treatment.
A look at the future of oral health
The approach of technologies such as Lumoral reflects an important trend in modern medicine: Treatments are becoming more accurate, selective, and personalized.
The future of medicine is not only in treatments that are more intense, but in treatments capable of acting in a way more specific to where they are needed. The light used in an appropriate manner and based on scientific principles, you can become an additional tool to help maintain the natural balance of our body.
This technology opens the door to a new stage in the oral health, where we combine prevention, science, and personalized treatments to accompany our patients.
Questions for the community
Are you surprised that the light may have applications as specific inside the mouth?
Do you have questions about how the periodontal disease or on the new technologies based on light? Leave me your questions in the comments and let's keep learning together about the fascinating science of light applied to the health.
Note of Health, Disclaimer, Doctor and References
Note of Health and Disclaimer Physician: Marisol Light Project has as its goal the dissemination of educational and scientific-based medical literature indexed. Lumoral is a medical device that should be used according to the indications of a dental professional, qualified. This blog is of an informative nature and does not substitute for diagnosis, treatment or personalized recommendations of your dentist. Before any symptoms or concerns regarding your oral health, always consult with a healthcare professional.
Scientific reference: Pakarinen S, Välimaa H, Heikkinen AM, et al. A randomized controlled trial of home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy during supportive periodontal care (HOPE-CP study). J Periodontol. 2026;97(6):720–731. https://doi.org/10.1002/jper.70082