A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed that, melatonin, a supplement commonly used to ease jet lag ad sleeping disorders, may be potentially valuable in the treatment of periodontal diseases.

"Patients with higher salivary and melatonin ratios had lower community periodontal index (CPI). CPI is the score used to assess periodontal status," said Pablo Galindo, DDS, Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Spain. "This finding suggests that the melatonin may fight against infection and inflammation possibly due to its antioxidant, anti-aging and immunoenhancing ability."

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Depending on the severity, they may be classified as Gingivitis, a milder and reversible form that affects only the gums, or the more severe periodontitis, in which the supporting bone supporting the teeth are also damaged. Left unchecked, periodontal disease may lead to tooth loss.

Although the data indicate that melatonin may have a positive effect on oral health, further studies are needed to identify it's exact relationship and effect on periodontal health.

More about the study from the American Academy of Periodontology.

[Photo: AAP]