Annatto-Based Photodynamic Therapy: Affordable Alternative for Halitosis Treatment

Halitosis – commonly known as bad breath – is a condition that may reflect other dental disorders, such as periodontal disease, gingivitis, diabetic acidosis, etc. Additionally, halitosis may be aggravated by mouth breathing, drying up the saliva, and reducing its antibacterial and cleansing features.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy can effectively manage bad breath symptoms, and recently, collaborative research by Brazilian scientists revealed a new, affordable approach to this procedure. They used annatto – an orange-reddish pigment from the seed of the urucum plant – as a photosensitizer and a standard photopolymerization device with a blue LED light.

Research Data

Halitosis's leading cause is the decomposition of proteolytic anaerobic bacteria, resulting in sulfur compound production with a specific odor associated with bad breath. The research group found 52 mouth-breathing participants between the ages of 6 and 12 with diagnosed halitosis to test the new photodynamic approach.

During the experiment, dentists used annatto spray with 20% concentration, which was targeted by blue light from an LED. After a 30-day course, exposed for 20 seconds daily, participants demonstrated significant progress, proving the treatment's effectiveness. Also, research notes that the procedure's effect is maintained over time.

Why it's important?

Usually, during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, dentists use blue-colored methylene photosensitizer and red laser light. However, a novel approach that demonstrated the same effectiveness uses a cheaper alternative – an annatto-based spray and a standard photopolymerization device that many dentists have in their cabinets.

This invention may improve the situation of national oral health in poor regions.

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