Regular Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Hygiene in Elderly Residents

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of regular antibacterial photodynamic treatment in service accommodation on the oral hygiene of elderly people. The information from this study can be used to promote oral hygiene among residents in 24-hour care.

Lumoral is a CE-marked medical home appliance that has been shown to be effective in reducing plaque development and the amount of harmful bacteria in plaque. The efficacy of the device is based on an antibacterial photodynamic process, whereby a photosensitive substance in Lumorinse attaches itself to the bacterial coating and is activated as an antibacterial agent by light. The antibacterial effect is directly targeted at the plaque, reducing the impact on the normal oral flora. Preliminary studies have shown that the method reduces the inflammatory factors associated with periodontitis.

The study is being carried out in collaboration with the City of Helsinki Oral Health Department, the Metropolia University of Applied Sciences Oral Care Teaching Hospital and the University of Helsinki Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. The registrar of the study is the University of Helsinki. The study will be conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and ISO 14155 ("Clinical trials on medical devices. Good Clinical Practice").

The target population of the study will be residents in 24-hour care with at least 10 of their own teeth, who are judged by the caregiver to be able to participate in the study and who give written informed consent to participate in the study.

Approximately 40 people will participate in the study. They will be recruited from the City of Helsinki's service homes. The subjects will be randomized into two groups. One of the groups will receive daily photodynamic Lumoral treatment for 2 months in a residential unit according to a separate instruction manual. At the beginning of the study, all subjects will receive an oral cleaning and will also be provided with electric toothbrushes. In addition, residents and carers will be instructed on daily tooth cleaning.

During the study, all patients will undergo clinical measurements (VPI, CPITN, dry mouth) and an assessment of the oral inflammatory load using the aMMP-8 bowel inflammation test. The occlusion samples will be stored for later analysis. In addition, residents or caregivers answer questions about oral self-care. These measurements and examinations will be carried out at the start of the study and two months after the start of the study. After the end of the study, subjects will continue to be treated according to their usual care and individual care plan.

Inclusion criteria

• A 24-hour care resident;
• Understand and able to give consent to the study;
• At least 10 functional teeth in the mouth (including implants);
• Able to brush teeth and follow the instruction for use Lumoral treatment, based on the assessment by the nursing staff.

Exclusion criteria

• Incapable of participating in the study based on the assessment of the nursing staff
• Toothless or less than 10 functional teeth in the mouth (including implants)