The impact of melatonin on oral health: Current insights and future research directions

Abstract

Melatonin, traditionally known for its role in sleep regulation, is emerging as a significant therapeutic agent in dental practice due to its antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Present in saliva and locally secreted in the oral cavity, melatonin can protect gingival and periodontal tissues by reducing inflammation and oxidative damage. Additionally, it influences enamel maturation and has implications for systemic conditions such as diabetes, highlighting its relevance in dentistry. We propose integrating melatonin into oral healthcare practices by assessing patients' melatonin use, particularly those with inflammatory or systemic conditions, and recommending melatonin-based treatments like sublingual tablets or topical gels to enhance periodontal treatment, promote tissue repair, and reduce oral mucosal lesions. Public health initiatives should raise awareness of melatonin's preventive potential for high-risk populations, and policy frameworks should consider these findings in oral health guidelines. Rigorous clinical studies are essential to establish a solid empirical foundation for melatonin's protective effects on oral health outcomes, necessitating standardized clinical research to validate these preliminary findings.