A new randomized crossover pilot study from the University of Tartu investigates the effect of Lumoral's light-activated antibacterial treatment (aPDT) as a supplement to daily oral hygiene in healthy young adults. The results show a significant reduction in plaque after using Lumoral® – even in participants who maintained optimal mechanical cleaning at baseline.

The study was conducted at the Institute of Dentistry at the University of Tartu in Estonia by Laura Gusseva and Liisa Leontine Lill and is published in the Journal of Dentistry.

Purpose and Methodology: Randomized Crossover Design

The purpose was to investigate whether Lumoral's dual-light treatment can provide an additional reduction in plaque in individuals who already perform regular toothbrushing and interdental cleaning.

• Study Population: 30 healthy adults (20–25 years) without established marginal periodontitis or pronounced oral hygiene problems.

• Study Design: Randomized crossover study.

• • One group used Lumoral® once daily for two weeks as a supplement to conventional cleaning, while the control group continued with unchanged oral hygiene.

• • After a 2-week washout period, the groups were switched.

• Registration: Participants' plaque levels were documented and analyzed via standardized plaque staining and quantitative image analysis before and after the intervention.

The crossover design ensures that participants act as their own controls, minimizing source errors from individual variations in brushing technique and anatomy.

Clinical Results: Measurable Plaque Reduction

The study showed a clear supplementary effect of the Lumoral treatment:

• 70 % of participants showed a measurable reduction in plaque immediately after use.

• 78.6 % showed an overall plaque reduction at the end of the intervention period (day 14).

Since the participants already represented a population with good plaque control, the results emphasize that light-activated antibacterial treatment can reduce bacterial biofilm in areas that are difficult to reach by using conventional mechanical cleaning alone.

Perspectives for Clinical Practice

For dentists and dental hygienists, the study from the University of Tartu supports the potential of combining conventional mechanical cleaning with light-activated antibacterial biofilm control.

The study indicates that Lumoral® is justified not only in cases of insufficient self-care or manifested disease but also as a prophylactic supplement in complex clinical situations where conventional mechanical cleaning is difficult:

• Around fixed orthodontic appliances

• Around implants and mucositis areas

• For crown and bridge restorations and complex prosthetic reconstructions

Lumoral in the clinic

If you want to know more about how Lumoral® can be integrated as part of the clinic's treatment and maintenance program, please feel free to contact us.

You can also read more about Lumoral in the clinic, including how the treatment can be used as a supplement to professional treatment and patient self-care.

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Source

Gusseva L, Lill LL, Pätilä T, Runnel R. Plaque control by dual-light photodynamic therapy in healthy adults – A randomized crossover pilot study. Journal of Dentistry. 2026;172:106641.