Israeli researchers have found that low-level laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), can offer instant relief for burning mouth syndrome (BMS), the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) said in a statement on Wednesday.

The mysterious and painful BMS, characterized by persistent burning or abnormal sensations in the mouth, affects millions worldwide, but no clearly identifiable cause can be found upon examination.

In the new study published in the journal Oral Diseases, 30 participants experienced a significant decrease in pain scores after undergoing weekly PBM treatment for up to 10 weeks.

PBM is a non-invasive treatment that uses light energy to help skin, muscle tissue, and other parts of the body heal.

Although effectiveness declined in the subsequent weeks, a cumulative impact was noted, particularly after the third treatment.

Also, PBM showed improved efficacy for male patients and those experiencing pain on only one side of their mouth.

The researchers said that their findings open new possibilities for understanding and addressing the challenges posed by BMS, offering hope for improved therapeutic interventions in the future.