Melatonin and gum health

 Studies raise the antioxidant effect of melatonin may protect the health of the gums. 

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland (a small gland located in the brain), its most important function is the regulation of sleep and wake cycles, so many people with insomnia take it as a supplement to improve sleep quality. However, melatonin has many other functions that are less known, among which are its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.

Regarding the health of the gums, it has been observed that patients with periodontal disease have lower levels of melatonin in saliva and other antioxidants. This has led to studies in which melatonin is being tested topically or in the form of a supplement as an additional resource to periodontal treatment, with positive results in reducing inflammation. These satisfactory findings could be explained by its antioxidant capacity against free radicals, as well as by its anti-inflammatory power.

Although the results are promising, the current evidence is very incipient, as the studies conducted are short-term. The safety of continued melatonin supplements over long periods is still unknown. Therefore, another option would be to increase the intake of melatonin-rich foods (such as apples) or those with tryptophan (such as eggs), which is a precursor to several different metabolites, including melatonin.