Melatonin
Shows Promise In The Fight Against Periodontal Diseases
[
Submitted by Dr. Andreas Siebold on 21 June, 2007 ]
Literature
review looks at the role melatonin could play in the oral cavity
CHICAGO - Melatonin could be the latest supplement to join the fight
against periodontal diseases. According to a literature review in the
June issue of the Journal of Periodontology, melatonin may promote bone
formation and stimulate the body's immune response, which are two
factors that can affect a person's periodontal health.
Since its discovery in 1917, melatonin has been found to be involved in
many biological functions such as setting the body's sleep rhythms and
fighting off free radicals that may lead to cancer and other autoimmune
diseases. The authors of this study conducted an extensive review of the
literature (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Knowledge, etc.) to
evaluate the potential effects of melatonin on the oral cavity,
including: melatonin as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger;
melatonin as a host modulation agent; melatonin as a promoter of bone
formation; and melatonin and periodontal disease. This review found
strong evidence that melatonin may play a key role in periodontal health
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 review author Antonio
Cutando, DDS. "Melatonin has important physiological functions that
have not yet been explored in dentistry or in the treatment of
periodontal diseases."
Melatonin also has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that
help to improve the body's immune response to infection. Recent studies
have shown that salivary melatonin levels may actually vary according to
the degree of periodontal disease, indicating that melatonin may act to
protect the body from periodontal bacteria and inflammation.
"While natural supplements such as vitamin D, calcium, and vitamins
E and C have been shown to have possible effects on periodontal diseases
patients should be aware that supplements alone are not a substitute for
periodontal care," explained Preston D. Miller, Jr., DDS, President
of the American Academy of Periodontology. "Patients should make an
effort to know their pocket probing depths, which are the key to
understanding their periodontal disease. A healthy probing depth of one
to two millimeters with no bleeding represents a healthy mouth. Probing
depths of three to four, that bleed, generally need more than a simple
cleaning- they may require a procedure called scaling and root planing.
When probing depths reach five millimeters or greater the patient has
reached a level which may require surgical treatment to restore lost
bone. Patients should keep this pocket size guide to their oral health
in mind and should not hesitate to ask their dental professionals about
their probing depths if this information is not volunteered."
To find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases take the
Academy's risk
assessment test.
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of
dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the
American Dental Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kerry Gutshall
The American Academy of Periodontology
Phone: 312.573.3243
Fax: 312.573.3234
http://www.perio.org
EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the JOP article "Melatonin: Potential
Functions in the Oral Cavity" is available to the media by
contacting the AAP Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3243. The public
and/or non-AAP members can view the study abstract online, and the
full-text of the study may be accessed online for $20.00 at http://www.joponline.org.
