Oxidative Stress and Salivary Antioxidants

Oxidative stress is caused by a shift in the balance between highly reactive molecules, such as reactive oxygen species, and antioxidant body’s defense system. Reactive oxygen species play a pivotal role in the human body and are produced by a living organism as a result of normal cellular metabolism and environmental factors, such as pollutants and cigarette smoke. However, their high activity might have important biological consequences. ROS can be considered as a significant mediator of damage to major biomolecules and cell structures. It is also well documented that oxidative stress takes part in a growing number of pathological states and diseases, especially when inflammation is prominent. Aerobic organisms have developed an antioxidant system and are effective in opposing the effect of ROS. These antioxidants can be divided into the following: enzymatic and non-enzymatic. In pathological conditions the antioxidant system may be overwhelmed, which leads to oxidative stress. The purpose of this mini-review is to introduce the important findings concerning the ROS and salivary antioxidants (Dent.