Denture-related stomatitis indicates an inflammatory process of the mucosa that bears a complete or partial removable dental appliance, typically a denture. The classical expression “denture sore mouth” is being abandoned as most patients show asymptomatic lesions. Nowadays, “denture stomatitis” stands for a mild chronic erythematous candidiasis, usually seen after middle age as erythema limited to the area beneath an upper denture, with the presence of the denture as the only common etiologic factor to these situations. It is not caused by allergy to the denture material. Melatonin, N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, is a derivative of the essential amino acid tryptophan and is produced primarily in the pineal gland in mammals. Known as a regulator of circadian rhythm, it also has physiologic roles in oral medicine and dentistry. Oral cavity is affected by number of conditions such as periodontitis, mucositis, cancers and cytotoxicity from various drugs or biomaterials. Research has suggested that melatonin is effective in treating the aforementioned pathologies. The aim of this article is to critically analyze and summarize the research focusing on the concentration of melatonin in saliva & plasma of patients after application of melatonin to the restricted area of oral mucosa such as palate.
