Document Type : Literature Review

Authors

• Desiana Radithia ¹
• Nur Rahmat ²
• Maura Desta Panditari ²
• Diah Savitri Ernawati ¹
• Reiska Kumala Bakti ¹
• Saka Winias ¹

¹ Dept. of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.

² Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia.

Abstract

Oral fungal infections can impair function, cause significant discomfort, and negatively affect quality of life. Candida albicans is the most frequently identified pathogen and is commonly associated with denture stomatitis, mucosal candidiasis, and angular cheilitis. Although conventional antifungal therapy remains the standard of care, challenges such as antifungal resistance, recurrence, and adverse effects highlight the need for alternative non-invasive approaches. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation, has gained attention for its potential to modulate inflammation, support tissue repair, and influence microbial activity. However, findings across the literature remain inconsistent. Sub-therapeutic laser parameters may unintentionally stimulate Candida albicans proliferation, whereas higher fluence levels or photodynamically active settings demonstrate more reliable antifungal effects. This scoping review maps the current evidence on the use of LLLT for oral fungal infections by synthesizing in vitro studies, clinical investigations, and systematic reviews. A structured search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering studies published from January 2015 to August 2025. The findings indicate that therapeutic outcomes are highly dependent on laser wavelength, energy density, irradiation duration, delivery mode, and photosensitizer use. Incorporating LLLT with photodynamic therapy or topical antifungal agents may further enhance efficacy and reduce recurrence.

Keywords

• Candida albicans
• Fungal Infections
• Low-Level Laser Therapy
• Photobiomodulation
• Photodynamic Therapy