A New Era in Oral Hygiene: The Lumoral Antibacterial Light Therapy Revolution
A New Era in Oral Hygiene: The Lumoral Antibacterial Light Therapy Revolution
A revolution is underway in oral health care. Imagine a technology that goes beyond simply cleaning your teeth—one that actively eliminates harmful bacteria using advanced light-activated therapy. Lumoral, an innovative oral hygiene solution developed by Finnish scientists, harnesses the power of antibacterial photodynamic effects to combat oral diseases more effectively than ever before. Professor Werner Birglechner, a leading German expert in dental prevention and periodontology, explains how this groundbreaking innovation is transforming the future of oral health.
According to Professor Birglechner, Lumoral’s patented light-activated technology is unique as it combines endogenous and exogenous antimicrobial effects to target harmful dental plaque bacteria in the mouth.
”The combination of aPDT (805nm antibacterial photodynamic therapy) and aBL (410nm antibacterial blue light) enhances the antimicrobial effect, while heat and infrared light also play a crucial role in this oral health-enhancing method,” Prof. Birglechner explains.
According to the German professor, antibacterial blue light (aBL) works by stimulating chromophores in bacterial cells, leading to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These reactive molecules damage bacterial cell membranes and proteins, ultimately killing the bacteria. Additionally, aBL provides a photobiomodulatory effect by improving cellular energy production in the mitochondria.
Meanwhile, aPDT employs indocyanine green as a photosensitizer, a key component of the Lumorinse mouth rinse, which is a key component of the Lumoral method. As the rinse is swished around the mouth, the molecule binds to the biofilm and absorbs light energy in the 810 nm range. This energy activation not only creates heat but also triggers the production of highly reactive singlet oxygen, which effectively eliminates harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi—without adverse side effects.
”This dual-action mechanism is what sets Lumoral apart,” explains Prof. Birglechner.
A Game-Changer in Biofilm Management
Controlling oral biofilm, or plaque, is vital in preventing oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and caries. Studies show that some 95 % of all oral health problems originate from the harmful effects of dental plaque surrounding teeth surfaces and the gum line. The biofilm, if not removed regularly, is where tartar originates.
Mechanical oral hygiene – regular brushing and interdental flossing – is the key to a healthy mouth. Still, research reveals that even the most efficient electric toothbrush removes only around 60 % of dental plaque. The remaining sticky substance surrounding teeth surfaces and gum lines – often invisible to the eye – is the culprit behind the growing burden of oral diseases – even systemic health concerns such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Lumoral is a health technology product with a medical device status for treating and preventing oral diseases at home. Many dentists throughout Europe and in Asia as well as the Finnish Association of Dental Hygienists already recommend this new teeth-cleaning method, which improves traditional oral hygiene.
“Lumoral eliminates biofilm bacteria and disrupts biofilm structures, leading to significantly improved regular oral hygiene, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay,” Prof. Birglechner explains.
He stresses that Lumoral does not replace traditional brushing or flossing but provides a highly effective adjunct therapy that helps patients regain control over their biofilm. Many patients struggle to maintain a healthy oral microbiome, and Lumoral’s highly effective plaque-targeted action has been predicted to be the next stage of plaque control since electric toothbrushes.
“It is truly a game changer in biofilm management,” he adds.
Lumoral vs. Traditional Antibacterial Treatments
Unlike traditional antibacterial treatments such as chlorhexidine, Lumoral does not rely on chemical agents that may cause unwanted side effects. ”Pharmaceutical antibacterial agents are effective but unsuitable for long-term use due to their side effects. Lumoral, on the other hand, provides a safe and efficient alternative without these drawbacks,” explains the professor.
What sets Lumoral apart is its ability to target harmful bacteria while preserving the beneficial flora of the mouth—something conventional treatments often fail to achieve.
Antibacterial photodynamic therapy has long been studied and applied in professional dentistry, but Lumoral now makes this advanced technology accessible for home care. ”More than 15 clinical studies are underway, and the results are excellent,” says Prof. Birglechner.
One of the most significant studies is a randomized controlled clinical trial at the University of Helsinki involving 200 periodontitis patients. The control group followed standard treatment protocols, while the test group incorporated Lumoral into their routine care. ”At three and six months, we observed significantly better outcomes in the Lumoral group, including improved oral hygiene, reduced gum inflammation, and reduction in deep periodontal pockets. The results show the benefit of adjunct Lumoral use when patients receive periodontal treatment. The results were similar in a recently finished multicenter study under peer review.”
Ongoing research also explores Lumoral’s benefits in orthodontics, mucositis, and peri-implantitis, with findings consistently supporting its effectiveness in improving oral health across various patient groups.
Impact on Systemic Health
Research increasingly supports the link between oral and systemic health, particularly in conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and preterm birth risk. ”We can influence systemic health by controlling biofilm and preventing oral inflammation. Lumoral makes biofilm control feasible for many patients,” says Prof. Birglechner.
Germany, where aPDT was first developed, has been a leader in the adoption of the technology. ”Most German dentists are familiar with aPDT and understand its benefits. A group of high-level experts, led by Professor Dirk Ziebolz, has already recognized Lumoral’s potential to transform oral care,” Birglechner notes.
Additionally, dental hygiene schools in Germany are incorporating Lumoral into their training, requiring students to document case reports. ”I have never seen such impressive improvements in such a short time in my 35 years of experience.”
While Lumoral benefits anyone looking to improve oral hygiene, Prof. Birglechner says that certain patient groups stand to gain the most from its use.
For diabetics, maintaining good oral health is crucial, as gum inflammation can negatively impact blood sugar control. Lumoral may contribute to better glycaemic management and overall health by reducing inflammation.
Meanwhile, patients with dental implants face the risk of peri-implantitis, a condition that can lead to implant failure if not adequately managed. Lumoral helps prevent bacterial infections around implants, supporting their long-term success and stability.
For individuals suffering from periodontitis, traditional treatments alone may not always be enough to control the disease. Lumoral enhances periodontal therapy by reducing harmful bacteria and inflammation, improving treatment outcomes, and a healthier mouth.
Pregnant women often experience hormonal changes that increase the risk of gum disease and oral infections. Because certain antibiotics are not recommended during pregnancy, Lumoral provides a safe and effective alternative for managing oral health without medication-related risks.
Even the Professor himself incorporates Lumoral into his routine. ”Every patient can benefit from Lumoral – everyone! I use it once or twice a week to maintain my oral health, especially with a stressful job and frequent travel. It keeps my mouth feeling fresh and clean, just like a visit to my favorite dental hygienist twice a year,” he explains.
Can Lumoral Reduce Antibiotic Use in Dentistry?
With growing concerns over antibiotic resistance, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling it the world’s most pressing global threat now, and alternative antimicrobial strategies are in demand. ”Antibiotics have reached their peak in periodontal treatment. Side effects no longer justify their widespread use,” Prof. Birglechner asserts.
”We ourselves no longer use antibiotics to treat periodontitis. Lumoral has the potential to be an alternative without side effects. Lumoral is a viable alternative without side effects. I recall two HIV patients with severe oral infections who stabilized using Lumoral twice daily without antibiotics. And for pregnant women, antibiotics are a no-go, but Lumoral is safe.”
More large-scale studies, particularly in systemic disease patients, are expected to further solidify Lumoral’s benefits. ”However, these studies require significant funding. That said, in Germany, we are already working on tailored dental insurance policies that will include Lumoral.”
Professor Birglechner advises dental professionals to consider Lumoral as an essential safeguard for their dental work. He emphasizes its role in protecting treatments such as fillings, crowns, implants, and orthodontic corrections. “Think of Lumoral as a seatbelt for your dental work. Would you drive without one? By encouraging patients to use Lumoral at home as an adjunct therapy to mechanical oral hygiene, dentists can help maintain oral health, enhance the longevity of their work, and improve overall treatment outcomes.”
- Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of stable chronic periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—three-month interim results. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(11):206. doi:10.3390/dj10110206
- Nikinmaa S, Alapulli H, Auvinen P, et al. Dual-light photodynamic therapy administered daily provides a sustained antibacterial effect on biofilm and prevents Streptococcus mutans PLoS One. 2020;15(5):e0232775. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0232775
- Nikinmaa S, Moilanen N, Sorsa T, et al. Indocyanine green-assisted and LED-light-activated antibacterial photodynamic therapy reduces dental plaque. Dent J (Basel). 2021;9(5):52. doi:10.3390/dj9050052
- Aggarwal N, Gupta S, Grover R, Sadana G, Bansal K. Plaque removal efficacy of different toothbrushes: a comparative study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;12(5):385-390. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1669
- The Finnish Oral Hygiene Association recommends Lumoral. Finnish Association of Dental Hygienists. September 1, 2022. https://www.suuhygienistiliitto.fi/suomen-suuhygienistiliitto-suosittelee-lumoralia/
