Advancing Biomedical Research on Salivary Antioxidants: Exploring the Significance in Oral Precancer and Cancer.

Under normal physiological circumstances, an equilibrium exists between prooxidants and antioxidants in the body. The body generates free radicals as part of its natural cellular metabolism. However, when there is an unevenness or modification in the levels of antioxidants, it gives rise to a state known as oxidative stress. This phenomenon is implicated in numerous pathological conditions. It can potentially harm cells by causing minor injuries to cell membranes, deactivating proteins, damaging DNA, and triggering tissue damage through cell-signaling molecules. Human saliva is a diagnostic fluid that is rich in antioxidant compounds and plays a primary role in the protective mechanism. These antioxidants neutralize the free radicals, including reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species, that are released due to oxidative stress and prevent cell breakdown, tissue damage, and DNA mutations. Whole human saliva may contain numerous antioxidants that are measurable tools to monitor the oral cavity's oxidative processes and help guide the development of new drugs or treatment plans. This article provides extensive information on salivary antioxidants and their role in common oral lesions like inflammatory, premalignant, malignant, and autoimmune diseases.