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Melatonin could be the latest supplement to join the fight against periodontal diseases. According to a literature review in the Journal of Periodontology (June 2007), melatonin may promote bone formation and stimulate the body’s immune response—2 factors that can affect a person’s periodontal health. The authors conducted an extensive review to evaluate the potential effects of melatonin on the oral cavity: melatonin as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger; as a host modulation agent; as a promoter of bone formation; and melatonin and periodontal disease. The review found strong evidence that it may play a key role in periodontal health. This is accomplished by helping to maintain bone levels in the oral cavity through suppressing the cells that work during bone resorption and enhancing the body’s host response to the periodontal bacteria. One of the most devastating effects of periodontal disease is bone loss in the jaw, which often leads to tooth loss.
“Although the review did not directly look at melatonin as a treatment option for periodontal diseases, this is an area that might be worth investigating in the future,” said author Antonio Cutando, DDS.
Melatonin also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that help to improve the body’s immune response to infection. Recent studies show that salivary melatonin levels may vary according to the degree of periodontal disease, indicating that melatonin may act to protect the body from periodontal bacteria and inflammation.
(Source: American Academy of Periodontology, June 5, 2007)
