Researchers studied the relationship between salivary melatonin levels and the community periodontal index (CPI) score used to assess periodontal disease status...

Salivary Melatonin May Decrease Periodontal Disease Severity

Researchers studied the relationship between salivary melatonin levels and the community periodontal index (CPI) score.

CHICAGO – September 12, 2006 – Salivary melatonin may play an important role in maintaining periodontal health, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology. This is one of the first attempts to examine the influence of salivary melatonin upon periodontal disease, an inflammation that destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Study Abstract *

Researchers found that melatonin, a hormone created by the pineal gland, may be able to protect the oral cavity against free radicals produced by inflammatory diseases. Melatonin has strong antioxidant effects that can protect cells against inflammatory processes and oxidative damage. Melatonin supplements are commonly promoted to ease jet lag and hasten sleep.

“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.”

It was also observed that older patients had lower saliva volumes and melatonin ratios and higher CPI scores compared to younger patients with increased salivary and melatonin levels and decreased CPI scores.

“Further research is required to fully explain the relationship between melatonin and its influence on periodontal health,” said Kenneth A. Krebs, DMD and AAP president. “Until we know more, it’s important for people to talk to their dental professional about the state of their periodontal health. Periodontal disease and dental decay are the primary causes of adult tooth loss.”

Study Background Information

Thirty-seven patients with different degrees of periodontal disease were studied. The mean age was 55 and included 21 females and 16 males. All participants underwent a medical and dental examination. Salivary and plasma melatonin levels and CPI status were collected from each patient.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study Relationship Between Salivary Melatonin and Severity of Periodontal Disease. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.

For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.

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