Photobiomodulation in oral medicine: a review

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Photobiomodulation (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content>) or low‐level laser therapy (<jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">LLLT</jats:styled-content>) in dentistry is an evolving science, with an increasing number of controlled clinical studies exploring its potential as a treatment modality. The present study provides an outline of the biologic mechanism of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content> and summarizes the findings of clinical studies of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content> for specific applications in oral medicine. Controversies and drawbacks associated with <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content>, which require further research, are also identified. Current literature reports the potential of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content> in various applications in oral medicine. Furthermore, well‐documented research confirms its efficacy in certain conditions, such as oral mucositis, recurrent herpes simplex infection, and burning mouth syndrome. The absence of any reported adverse effects is an advantage over conventional therapeutic modalities. While <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">PBM</jats:styled-content> has proved to be effective for some specific applications, it is not a panacea. The paucity in standardized studies, coupled with ambiguity over the laser parameters, has limited its credibility as a therapeutic modality.</jats:p>