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Medically Reviewed by | Heidi Wright, BSN, RN, PCCN
As a child or young adult, the most invasive dental procedure you may have had was a filling. Even though this likely seemed very dramatic at the time, you probably know by now that dental and oral care is filled with even more invasive and dramatic procedures and techniques, especially as these procedures pertain to gum health.
In your late 30s or early 40s, your dentist will likely begin talking to you about gum health. Periodontal disease is more common with age and can cause serious damage to your mouth and to your teeth.
“Imagine your teeth as strong pillars. Your gums are the firm foundation that holds them securely in place. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. They act as a barrier, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the bloodstream and wreaking havoc on your body. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a severe gum infection that damages the bone supporting your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss, pain, and even difficulty chewing,” notes Heidi Wright, Registered Nurse.
In addition to proper oral hygiene and regular dental care, red light therapy can be used to support oral health.
We’ll explain what red light therapy is and what types of oral health benefits it can provide. We’ll also cover how to use red light therapy to support your oral health and where you can find red light therapy devices to use at home.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red light therapy, also referred to as near-infrared (NIR) light therapy, is a type of photobiomodulation that may help address a myriad of health conditions and supports total body wellness. Red light therapy has potential benefits that extend from the skin right down to the bones.
Two forms of red light are most commonly used; red light, which has a wavelength that measures 620 nanometers to 700 nanometers, and near-infrared light, which has a wavelength that measures between 800 nanometers and 900 nanometers. These wavelengths are capable of penetrating the skin and reaching soft and hard tissues.
How Does Red Light Therapy Work?
Before we unpack how red light therapy works, we need a basic understanding of cellular function, starting with the knowledge that all tissues and systems in our bodies are made up of cells.
Within these cells, tiny organelles called mitochondria produce an energy molecule called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Cells use this molecule to carry out cellular functions. When plenty of ATP is present, the cell operates at full capacity. When there is less ATP present, the cell may begin to lose function.
As we age, mitochondria begin to slow down and produce less ATP. This is how red light works. Red light is absorbed by a particular molecule called cytochrome C oxidase that is directly involved with ATP production. By stimulating this molecule, red light may help improve the way ATP is created within the cell and ensures it is created more efficiently. This translates to better working cells, and a better working you.
How Does Red Light Therapy Affect Oral Health?
Several studies have found that certain wavelengths of red light (630 nanometers to be exact) may help support oral health and address oral health issues like chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. This condition causes the mucus lining in the mouth to break down and can result in painful ulcers. Red light therapy was found to support faster healing of these painful blisters and provide faster relief.
The use of red light therapy has also been studied in patients who suffer from other conditions of the soft tissues of the mouth, like oral lichen planus, a condition that causes areas of inflammation inside the mouth and on the tongue that can be painful. Red light was shown to potentially help these patients heal faster and experience fewer flare-ups of this autoimmune issue.
Gum Health
As we age, gum health may naturally begin to decline. Using red light to support oral health is a non-invasive way to help care for your gums and mouth that can be done from the convenience of your own home, although many dental practices now offer red light therapy.
Red light therapy may be particularly beneficial for gum health due to its ability to stimulate cellular activity, which can lead to faster healing of gum-related injuries. It also stimulates fibroblasts, cells that are responsible for creating new tissue, which might help stimulate the tissue in your gums.
This type of therapy may also help improve circulation and blood flow, ensuring that tissues are fully oxygenated and getting vital nutrients.
Gums that are inflamed may also be addressed with red light therapy, which has the potential ability to reduce inflammation at the source. This is because the mitochondria in our cells are actually involved in proinflammatory signaling, and studies show that mitochondria that do not function correctly may lead to higher levels of inflammation.
How To Use Red Light
You can use red light to treat your mouth for up to 20 minutes per day. Some companies may provide devices that fit inside the mouth, but these devices may not contain the wavelengths of red light and near-infrared light you want to get the most benefits.
By using a device like a red light therapy panel, you may be able to support a healthy mouth and other parts of your body.
Are There Any Side Effects of Red Light?
There are no known side effects of red light therapy, but it’s important to use red light therapy only as instructed in order to experience the most benefits.
If you are photosensitive or are taking a medication that makes you photosensitive, speak to your doctor before starting a red light therapy routine.
You can get oral red light therapy sessions at a dental office that offers it, but keep in mind that red light therapy works best when it is used continually, and most dental insurance carriers will not cover sessions. Instead, investing in an at-home red light therapy device is a smarter choice.
Why Mito Red Light?
You’ve got options for red light therapy sessions, including seeing a medical professional, visiting a medspa, or treating yourself in the comfort and privacy of your own home. At Mito Red Light, we provide high-quality red light therapy devices to give you all the benefits you want without leaving your home.
Our Lights
You won’t find any dead space in our lights. We provide more light-emitting diodes per square inch than our competitors, so you get plenty of red light and near-infrared light every time you use our products.
Our Testing
Our lights and devices are always third-party tested to ensure the wavelengths are measured accurately and that our devices are within the therapeutic window of treatment as defined by scientific research.
Accessibility
We offer the widest selection of red light therapy devices in sizes and configurations that can fit any space, need, and budget.
Advanced Technology
Our devices are specially formatted with Enhanced Spectral Energy Output™, a technology that delivers energy across more spectrums of red and NIR light. Our MitoPRO series offers multi-wavelengths that give you access to even more spectrums of red and NIR light and contains an even split of the four peak action spectra LEDs for even coverage.
Bottom line: you’ll get more red light and near-infrared light than you would with competitor devices.
Shed Light on the Issue
Oral hygiene issues that go untreated can lead to dental decay and even the loss of permanent teeth. “Some studies have shown a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. The theory is that bacteria from the infected gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation in the arteries,” highlights Wright.
Keeping your mouth free from infection and soft tissue problems can support dental care, gum care and even keep your breath healthy and fresh.
In addition to regular dental hygiene and visits to the dentist, adding a red light therapy session to your routine can ensure your mouth stays in top shape. Mito Red Light helps you get the red light therapy you want in the privacy of your own home.
DISCLAIMER: Mito Red Light devices are not clinically proven to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical conditions. Mito Red Light devices are Class II general wellness devices aimed at affecting the body through topical heating and supporting cellular function. The scientific studies referenced in this article are for informational purposes only. To see a list of precautionary warnings and contraindications, click here.
Sources:
Periodontitis - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Transcranial near-infrared light in treatment of neurodegenerative diseases | Frontiersin.org
Treatment of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis with light-emitting diode | PubMed
Use of Low Level Laser Therapy for Oral Lichen Planus: Report of Two Cases | PMC
The Role of Mitochondria in Inflammation: From Cancer to Neurodegenerative Disorders | PMC
