ASSESSMENT OF SALIVARY FLOW AND COMPOSITION IN SUBJECTS WITH COVID-19-INDUCED TASTE AND SMELL DYSFUNCTIONS TREATED WITH PHOTOBIOMODULATION
COVID-19; Saliva; Low-Level Light Therapy
Introduction: Saliva is a glandular fluid with specific physical and chemical properties that coats the mouth cavity. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to various SARS-CoV-2-related effects, including sensory sequelae. Studying the salivary parameters of patients with these sequelae treated with photobiomodulation is crucial for improving treatment approaches for this highly contagious virus which spreads through salivary droplets. Objective: This study aimed to assess the salivary parameters of individuals with COVID-19-induced taste and smell dysfunctions treated with photobiomodulation. Method: A pilot clinical study was conducted with blinded participants diagnosed with COVID-19 and experiencing taste and smell dysfunctions for more than 30 days. They were randomly allocated to different groups. The study evaluated taste and smell functions using established indices, measured salivary parameters, and administered weekly sessions of low-power laser treatment for five weeks. Results: Data analysis revealed an average participant age of 36 years, with a higher prevalence of female participants. Taste and smell results were expressed as mean ± mean standard error. Pre-treatment salivary parameters showed no significant differences between groups. Following photobiomodulatio therapy, no significant differences were observed, except for a positive effect on salivary flow in the treated group. Conclusion: In COVID-19 patients, saliva was not associated with taste and smell dysfunctions. Additionally, photobiomodulation treatment did not affect salivary flow, pH, or buffering capacity. Therefore, while this study suggests photobiomodulation as a safe treatment option, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness in improving taste and smell functions.