Fighting Periodontal Disease with Antioxidants

A state of disturbed equilibrium known as oxidative stress occurs when the body's antioxidant system is unable to control the quantity of free radicals that are created. Free radicals interact with cell components including protein DNA and lipid molecules and cause tissue damage when present in large concentrations. At low concentrations they are engaged in a variety of cell processes such as cell signalling. An excessive amount of free radicals are produced which contributes to the aetiology of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases including periodontal disease.Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory illness that affects the tooth supporting tissues. It has a major global influence on dental health and overall well-being. Multiple factors including immunological responses microbial infections and environmental variables can contribute to the development of periodontitis. The development of periodontal tissue damage is significantly aided by oxidative stress which is defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants.Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are a major cause of cellular damage in periodontitis.