Relationship between Oxidative Stress and Several Common Oral Mucosal Diseases: A Review

Abstract

Free radicals include reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen, which are vital substances in the biological process of the body, which have a positive effect on the human body at normal concentrations. When the content of free radicals is too high, the body will activate the antioxidant system to defend against this damage in order to protect itself. The disorder of the balance between pro-oxidative and antioxidant reactions will lead to oxidative stress: excessive production of free radicals, and the body's antioxidant system cannot effectively resist this invasion, free radicals destroy the molecular tissues that make up DNA, proteins and lipids, followed by irreversible damage. Many studies at home and abroad have shown that patients with some oral mucosal diseases (recurrent aphthous ulcer, oral lichen planus, oral leukoplakia, oral submucosal fibrosis, burning mouth syndrome) often observe oxidative stress in oral tissue or saliva and blood, and explore many potential biomarkers. Through the study of the relationship between oxidative stress and oral mucosal diseases, it will be of guiding significance for the etiological exploration and treatment of oral mucosal diseases. This article reviews the latest research progress on the relationship between oxidative stress and several common oral mucosal diseases in recent years.