Antioxidants are quickly becoming a popular topic among people struggling with a cancer diagnosis, and oral cancer is no exception. While no product can promise a cure-all for oral cancer, there is some promise in the research into antioxidants and oral cancer, which makes them worth paying attention to.

The Basic Cause of Cancer

Cancer has a range of causes, one of which is the presence of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unbalanced atoms or molecules floating around in the body. These unbalanced molecules steal electrons from other molecules, creating new, unbalanced free radicals. Eventually, this free radical chain reaction will damage the DNA in the cells or the cell membranes. This can cause a variety of health complaints, including cancer. Carcinogens, like tobacco and pollution, actually cause cancer by increasing the number of free radicals in the body.

The Power of Antioxidants

Antioxidants fight free radicals, which is why they have become such an important buzzword in the cancer industry. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, antioxidants have an extra electron that they can give to a free radical, stabilizing it so it stops the chain reaction that can eventually lead to cancer. This, in turn, can help stabilize the growth of cancer as an individual seeks other treatments to shrink cancerous tumors and lesions.

While many studies have looked at the presence of antioxidants in the blood as it relates to cancer and other diseases, researchers who want to find a cure for oral cancer are taking a closer look at the antioxidants found in saliva. These work in the same way as those in the blood, neutralizing free radicals and reducing the stress they cause on the body, and they can be linked to a lower risk of oral cancer, according to Dr. Dennis M. Abbott of Dental Oncology Professionals of North Texas. Interestingly, patients who had oral cancer and gum disease often tested low for salivary antioxidants.

Antioxidants in Oral Care

In light of these findings, the oral care industry is seeing an increased focus on natural products. New products have emerged in the dental industry enriched with antioxidants and other natural ingredients, including antioxidant toothpaste, oral gel and mouth rinses. With antioxidant oral care products, like gels and toothpastes, you can add antioxidants into your daily beauty and health rituals, without making major changes to your morning routine. Consider these products to invest in your oral health while maintaining a focus on natural living.