Inflammatory Markers in Saliva of Patients With Burning Mouth Syndrome Before and After Treatment With Low-Level Laser Therapy and Clonazepam: A Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Trial

Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) is a chronic pain disorder that presents with inflammation and burning sensation in the oral cavity without visible lesions. Multiple therapies have been investigated without conclusive results.Objective: To analyse the efficacy of treatment with Clonazepam (Rivotril) and Low Power Diode Laser Therapy in patients with Burning Mouth Syndrome and to study the markers of inflammation present in the patients' saliva.

Methods: Randomised, single-blind clinical trial with 89 patients divided into Group 1 Laser + Rivotril (n=20), Group 2 Laser Sham placebo (n=19), Group 3 Laser (n=21) and Group 4 Rivotril (n=18). The intensity of symptomatology was rated by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Sialometry was performed before and after treatment and questionnaires such as the Xerostomia Inventory, the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP14) and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA) were completed. Saliva samples were analysed by measuring markers related to inflammatory processes; Interleukins (IL2, IL4, IL 5, IL6, IL 7, IL 8, IL1β, IL 10, IL12, IL13, IL17, IL21, IL23), proteins (MIP-3α, MIP-1α, MIP-1β), Cytokine GM-CSF, Interferon gamma (IFNγ), Interferon Inducible Tα-Cell Chemoattractant (ITAC), Fractalkine and Tumour Necrosis Factor α(TNFα).