The Science Behind Helios
Photobiomodulation is a peer-reviewed field with over 6,000 published studies. Below are selected studies relevant to the wavelengths used in Helios — sourced directly from PubMed, the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Important: The studies referenced on this page relate to photobiomodulation (PBM) technology and the biological effects of specific light wavelengths as documented in independent peer-reviewed research. These studies were not conducted on the Helios device and are not intended to imply that Helios diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents any medical condition. Helios is a consumer oral care device, not a medical device registered for therapeutic claims. Individual results vary. Consult your dentist or healthcare professional before making changes to your oral care routine.
Antimicrobial effect of blue light using Porphyromonas gingivalis pigment
Researchers confirmed that blue-light irradiation of Porphyromonas gingivalis — the primary bacterium responsible for periodontal disease — is potentially bactericidal through oxidative DNA damage. The study used the bacteria's own intracellular pigment (PpIX) as a photosensitiser, meaning no external chemicals were required.
The effect of blue light on periodontal biofilm growth in vitro
Blue light at 455nm was shown to eliminate key periodontopathogens including P. gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, P. nigrescens and P. melaninogenica in both pure culture and human dental plaque suspensions. The study also demonstrated efficacy against periodontal biofilms.
Photobiomodulation of inflammatory-cytokine-related effects in a 3-D culture model with gingival fibroblasts
This study used a 3-D gingival fibroblast model to demonstrate that photobiomodulation reduced pro-inflammatory TNF-α synthesis, stimulated VEGF expression, and enhanced cell density in inflamed gum tissue matrices.
Effectiveness of photobiomodulation in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity after basic periodontal therapy — a randomized clinical trial
This randomised split-mouth clinical trial evaluated 660nm photobiomodulation on 30 patients (120 teeth) with dentin hypersensitivity following scaling and root planing. Results showed that 660nm laser therapy produced statistically significant reductions in sensitivity compared to the control group.
Effectiveness of photobiomodulation as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy — a systematic review of in vivo human studies
This systematic review critically appraised published randomised clinical trial data on photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. The review confirmed that PBMT has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and regenerative properties when applied to periodontal tissue.
Effect of laser photobiomodulation on wound healing and postoperative pain following free gingival graft — a split-mouth triple-blind randomised controlled clinical trial
This triple-blind RCT evaluated 660nm photobiomodulation on gingival wound healing. Results demonstrated that 660nm laser therapy produced significantly faster re-epithelialisation of gum tissue and meaningfully reduced postoperative pain compared to the control group.