Melatonin, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that is also available as a supplement, may fight gum disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Research on this antioxidant shows that people with more melatonin in their saliva have less gum tissue inflammation.

“(Our research) suggests that melatonin may fight against infection and inflammation possibly due to its antioxidant, anti-aging and immune-enhancing ability,” says Pablo Galindo, D.D.S., Department of Oral Surgery, School of Dentistry, University of Granada, Spain.

Melatonin supplements are often used to deal with jet lag and as a sleeping aid to fight off insomnia.