Scientific Article Review:

Melatonin in the Oral Cavity – Physiological and Pathological Implications

Published In: Journal of Periodontal Research
Publication Year: 2015

Study Design

This article is a comprehensive review summarizing the role of melatonin in the oral cavity based on previously published studies.

Funding Sources

The authors report no specific funding sources for the studies reviewed, but one author holds a patent for a melatonin-containing pharmaceutical gel.

PICO Framework - what was studied and how?

Population:
Individuals with varying oral health statuses (healthy gingiva, gingivitis, periodontitis, oral herpes, etc.)

Intervention:
Topical and systemic melatonin applications, including sublingual tablets, gels, and sprays.

Comparison:
No treatment or conventional therapies for oral health conditions (e.g., chlorhexidine, other anti-inflammatory agents).

Outcomes:

• Reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress in the oral cavity.
• Improved periodontal health and osteointegration.
• Decreased prevalence or severity of conditions such as periodontitis, oral herpes, and oral cancer.

In Paragraph Form:
This review evaluates the impact of melatonin on oral health, including its effects on individuals with conditions such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral herpes. Topical and systemic melatonin applications were compared with standard treatments, focusing on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, enhancing bone health, and mitigating disease severity.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Studies exploring the role of melatonin in oral health.
• Studies reporting on inflammation, oxidative stress, bone health, and disease modulation in the oral cavity.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Research unrelated to oral health or not involving melatonin.
• Studies lacking measurable outcomes.

Demographics and Study Design

As a review article, specific demographics were not directly studied. The paper draws from studies across various age groups and populations, with subjects experiencing diverse oral health conditions.

Primary Outcome Variable Results

Key Findings:

1. Inflammatory Reduction: Melatonin significantly reduced inflammation in gingivitis and periodontitis, primarily through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Bone Health: Enhanced osteointegration of dental implants was observed in animal studies with melatonin application.
3. Oral Herpes: Limited evidence suggests melatonin may alleviate symptoms of oral herpes by modulating immune responses and reducing free radical damage.
4. Cancer and Mucosal Lesions: Topical melatonin gels showed promise in reducing the severity of mucosal lesions caused by chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Key Statistical Insights:

• Salivary melatonin levels inversely correlated with periodontal disease severity.
• In patients with diabetes and periodontitis, melatonin application improved gingival index scores and decreased pocket depth (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Melatonin shows significant potential in enhancing oral health by reducing inflammation, protecting against oxidative stress, and promoting periodontal and bone health. It could serve as an adjunctive treatment for periodontal diseases and other oral conditions, though further research is warranted.

Discussion

Strengths:

• Comprehensive summary of existing research.
• Highlights melatonin's multifunctional roles as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Provides a basis for future therapeutic applications of melatonin in dentistry.

Limitations:

• Many conclusions are drawn from animal or in vitro studies, limiting generalizability to humans.
• Lack of randomized clinical trials directly testing melatonin in oral health conditions.
• Variability in dosages and forms of melatonin across studies makes standardized recommendations challenging.

Citation

Reiter RJ, et al. Melatonin in the oral cavity: physiological and pathological implications. J Periodont Res. 2015;50:9–17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25613353/

Visual Aids

Simple Chart: Key Findings