European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN ORAL CAVITY PROTECTOR: MELATONIN- THE KNIGHT RIDER

*Dr. Vishal Mehrotra, Dr. Kriti Garg, Dr. Rohini Singh, Dr. Priyanka Sharma

ABSTRACT

Melatonin is a hormone that is primarily synthesized in the pineal gland. This hormone plays a vital role in protecting oral cavity from the harmful effects caused by various pathogens, autoimmune diseases and oral cancers. This protective action of melatonin comes from its immunomodulatory, antioxidant (free radical scavenger), proliferation and synthesis of Type I collagen, bone formation, oncostatic activity which includes anti-proliferative functions, stimulation of anticancer immunity, and modulation of oncogene expression, anti-Inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects. This article highlights the therapeutic effects of melatonin on the damages caused by mechanical, bacterial, fungal, or viral origin, in postsurgical wounds caused by tooth extractions and other oral surgeries on the oral cavity, but also on the bone formation in various autoimmune disorders such as Sjorgen syndrome, in periodontal diseases, in toxic effects of dental materials, in dental implants, and in oral cancers.

Keywords: Melatonin, Antioxidant, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Candidiasis.