Benefits of Natural Antioxidants on Oral Health

In recent years, special attention has been paid to the correlation between oxidation-reduction mechanisms and human health. The free radicals produced via physiological cellular biochemical processes are major contributors to oxidation phenomena. Their instability is the major cause of cellular damage. Free radical reactive oxygen species containing oxygen are the best-known ones. The body neutralises the harmful effects of free radicals via the production of endogenous antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, and melatonin). The field of study of nutraucetics has found antioxidant capacity in substances such as vitamins A, B, C, E, coenzyme Q-10, selenium, flavonoids, lipoic acid, carotenoids, and lycopene contained in some foods. There are several areas of investigation that aim to research the interaction between reactive oxygen species, exogenous antioxidants, and the microbiota to promote increased protection via the peroxidation of macromolecules (proteins, and lipids) by maintaining a dynamic balance among the species that make up the microbiota. In this scoping review, we aim to map the scientific literature on oxidative stress related to the oral microbiota, and the use of natural antioxidants to counteract it, to assess the volume, nature, characteristics, and type of studies available to date, and to suggest the possible gaps that will emerge from the analysis.

Automated summary

In recent years, there has been increased focus on the relationship between oxidation-reduction mechanisms and human health. Free radicals produced through cellular processes are the main drivers of oxidation and can cause cellular damage due to their instability. The body counters the harmful effects of free radicals by producing endogenous antioxidants and nutraceuticals have been found to have antioxidant capacity. Research is being conducted to understand the interaction between reactive oxygen species, exogenous antioxidants, and the microbiota to enhance protection against oxidative stress. This scoping review aims to map the scientific literature on oxidative stress and oral microbiota, and assess the available studies while identifying potential research gaps.