https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/procedures-and-treatments/red-light-therapy-pbm-to-help-prevent-a-sore-mouth/
Red light therapy (PBM) to help prevent a sore mouth
If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).
Some of the medicines you’ll have to get your body ready for your transplant or CAR-T therapy can make your mouth sore.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of light therapy that helps to stop your mouth from getting too sore. It won’t stop it getting sore completely, but it should help make sure it doesn’t get too bad.
PBM is sometimes called red light therapy.
What does it involve?
PBM is really easy to use. It is not painful or hot. We will give it daily until your new cells start to grow. All you need to do is hold a device which looks like a big lollipop. It lights up with a bright red light.
You will need to hold the lollipop over 7 areas, for 1 minute each:
- left cheek
- lips and closed mouth
- right cheek
- under your chin
- throat
- open mouth with tongue flat
- open mouth with tongue raised.
If you can’t hold the lollipop inside your mouth don’t worry – it can rest just inside it and will still work.
How long does it take?
A maximum of seven to nine minutes a day.
Will it hurt?
No, it will not hurt. There are no side effects to PBM. The light does not hurt your eyes, but it can be a bit bright so we can give you a pair of sunglasses to wear if you’d like.
Contact information
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Johanna Lee (Practice Educator) or Sian Essex (BMT Clinical Nurse Specialist)
Phone: 020 7405 9200 ext. 5083, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Or email: Johanna.Lee@gosh.nhs.uk or Sian.Essex@gosh.nhs.uk