ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the ndings accumulated concerning the “hormone of darkness”, melatonin, in the last few years. Based on the various origins and functional potentials of melatonin the recent medical and dental research is geared up toward the prevention of free radical-mediated diseases and maintenance of oral health by using specic nutrient supplementation. Recently, studies have detected the secretion of melatonin from salivary glands and gingival crevicular uid (GCF), further emphasizing its local activity. Thus, within our connes, the effects of melatonin in oral health were reviewed, adding a note on its properties, functions, and future.
