1) SALIVARY GLANDS:
- The oral cavity is under constant bombardment from food and drink, as well as substances such as alcohol, tobacco products
and nicotine, dental materials and much more. Bacteria and other disease-causing agents along with systemic conditions
present further insult. Because the oral tissues are delicate, they are especially vulnerable to cell damage caused by free radicals
and oxidative stress.
- Saliva is a natural defense against bacteria and other substances harmful to health. Research is confirming that
antioxidants are among the most important elements in saliva, and that they help protect against
diseases including oral diseases and oral cancer.
Composition of Saliva
- Saliva is the clear, viscous fluid secreted by the three pairs of major salivary glands. It is 98 percent water, and the remaining
two percent includes proteins, electrolytes, enzymes, hormones, and other substances.
- One of the major functions of saliva is digestion. The liquid and the enzymes soften food and begin the process of breaking it
- Saliva is also important in maintaining oral health. It lubricates the teeth and tongue, and helps wash away particles of food.
Although saliva can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, it also has natural antibacterial compounds, including
thiocyanate, hydrogen peroxide and immunoglobulin A.
- Human saliva also contains antioxidant compounds that are critical in fighting reactive oxygen species
(ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) that can cause oxidative stress and DNA mutations. In
addition, because saliva reflects the body’s levels of various hormonal, immunological, toxicological
and infectious disease markers, it is an excellent tool for monitoring oral and systemic health.
Antioxidants in Saliva
- Saliva is rich in antioxidant compounds. The primary antioxidants include uric acid, albumin, ascorbic acid, glutathione and
antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants are critical to the body’s defense system because of their ability to neutralize free radicals—
ROS and RNS—and counteract oxidative stress.
- Saliva and Periodontal Disease
- The antioxidants in saliva can have a mitigating effect against periodontitis, the inflammatory disease that often results in loss
of periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
- One major cause of periodontal disease is bacteria, such as porphyromonas gingivalis. An invasion of P.
gingivalis triggers the release of chemicals that bring about inflammation, including cytokines (e.g., interleukin
8), chemokines, prostaglandins, and destructive enzymes such as MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). These
pro-inflammatory mediators signal for an increase in the number and activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils
(PMNs), i.e., white blood cells. As the PMNs attack and ingest the bacteria, they release additional cytokines and
in doing so create large quantities of ROS, leading to oxidative stress and potential cell damage to gingival
tissue, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
- A reduced level of salivary antioxidants is characteristic of patients with periodontal disease. It is not yet clear
whether the lower level of antioxidants contributes to the cause of periodontitis, or whether the antioxidants are reduced as a
result of the their heightened action in neutralizing free radicals and ROS.
Saliva and Cancer
- Saliva has been indicated as an important anti-carcinogenic agent in both animals and humans. In particular,
studies have shown that saliva counteracts the ability of cigarette smoke to cause DNA damage and mutation. The
antioxidants in saliva may be part of the fundamental anti-carcinogenic role as they
fight ROS and RNS, especially those caused by nicotine, alcohol, and other
- Recent studies have looked at the increased occurrence of oral cancer among elderly people.
These studies have suggested a relationship between oral cancer and a reduced level of
antioxidant capacity that may be explained by an age-related reduction in the level of
antioxidants in saliva and/or by the age-related increase of ROS and oxidative stress in the oral
cavity. Researchers have proposed administering antioxidants as therapeutic agents for
reduced antioxidant capacity.
This information is from: DentalAntioxidants.com
Disgestive system is made up of:
The following information will show you how important
is to our Digestive System
part by part.........
Glutathione is the MASTER ANTIOXIDANT IN THE BODY
- when adaquate Glutathione can do its job of removing free radicals, if inadaquate there is not enough
Glutathione to preform this function and the free radicals cause problem.
- body needs to replenish its own Glutathoine supply
- there is no more efficient method of aiding the body to replenish Glutathione than to supply the body with a
daily supply of Cysteine
- GSH-Immunity is the most efficient way to supply the body with Cysteine as well as Immunoglobulins and
Lactoferrin to aid the collection of free radicals
THIS IS REMARKABLE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Periodontitis and Antioxidant Levels
- New research is being done on periodontal disease and Glutathione levels in patients.
- Known as the ‘Master Antioxidant’ Glutathione (GSH) is present in each and every one of our cells. Increasing
your cellular Glutathione can dramatically raise energy levels, strengthen the immune system, detoxify the
body and fight inflammation, just to name a few. It protects our cells from free radicals and aids in cellular
repair. A quality whey protein concentrate that contains live active proteins and high levels of naturally
occurring cysteine is one of the best ways to increase Glutathione production and activity in our bodies.
- A recent study done on 45 patients who had mild to severe periodontitis, were found to have reduced
antioxidative activity and decreased levels of GSH. An analysis showed a direct correlation between the activity
of antioxidative enzymes and symptoms of the disease.
- Another study looked at the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from healthy and non-healthy gums. The healthy
group’s GCF contained high concentrations of glutathione, where as the GCF from patients with periodontitis
contained significantly lower amounts of GSH and GSSG. They found that the total antioxidant capacity is
reduced in chronic periodontal disease, and high concentrations of GSH present in GCF may represent an
important antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defense strategy.
According to the American Dental Association there are two things you can do to help prevent periodontal
1. Good oral hygiene – you should brush at least twice a day, morning and night, and floss once a day.
2. Schedule Regular Cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist – usually every 6-12 months.
Researchers from Molecular Pathology reported recently that low antioxidant levels are
associated with chronic periodontal disease. These patients were found to have low levels of
the protective antioxidant, glutathione (GSH) in particular. Researchers concluded that
Glutathione might be beneficial when used as a supplement to help prevent chronic
periodontitis and might be able to assist in the healing process.
Given the current research, including a high quality whey protein
concentrate that is rich in antioxidants, might help aid in the prevention
and treatment of this disease. A high quality whey protein is rich in which
is responsible for producing GSH in our cells.
Mayo Clinic: Periodontitis
American Dental Association: Periodontal Disease
The Journal of the American Dental Association: Low Antioxidant Levels
Associated with Periodontal Disease
Molecular Pathology: Glutathione in gingival crevicular fluid and its relation
to local antioxidant capacity in periodontal health and disease
PubMed: Activity of salivary glutathione-dependent enzymes in patients with