Antioxidants the Powerful New Weapons in the Fight against Periodontal Diseases

The human inflammatory periodontal diseases are amongst the most common of chronic diseases. The predominant inflammatory cell (96%) within the healthy connective tissue and epithelium of the gingiva is polymorphonuclear leucocyte (PMNL). Periodontopathic bacteria in the gingivomucosal tissue may functionally activate PMNLs leading to an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chronic inflammation subjects the nearby cells to elevated levels of free radicals (ROS) due to extracellular release from phagocytic cells. Antioxidants block the process of oxidation by neutralizing free radicals. In doing so, the antioxidant themselves become oxidized. Because of this, there is a constant need to replenish our antioxidant resources.