Let’s talk about free radicals

A Free Radical ....

In chemistry, a radical is an atom, molecule, or ion that has an unpaired valence electron. With some exceptions, these unpaired electrons make radicals highly chemically reactive. (Q-Confused look)

In English ... cell systems with free radicals present will begin to function incorrectly, the frisky free spirited (damaged) free radicals will multiply and create havoc in any matrix.

The matrix I speak of is not just a film, the matrix is the non-cellular components present within all tissues and organs, and provides not only essential physical scaffolding for the cellular constituents but also initiates crucial biochemical and biomechanical cues that are required for tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis ...

Again in English ... a matrix is what makes up the 'stuff’ around our cells that make us what we are - think of it as a specific set of ingredients, functioning perfectly as nature intended until various factors begin to damage the make up and effect it’s stability

This 'matrix' if not functioning correctly can and will effect the skin and smile health.

So how do we prevent free radicals

Antioxidants- that's how

So no prizes for my next blog

Check out the key antioxidants in skin and smile health in my next installment

Annette x

Blog References

Addor, F.A.S. (2017). Antioxidants in dermatology. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia, [online] 92(3), pp.356–362. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5514576/.

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Lee, C.-Y., Choy, C.-S., Lai, Y.-C., Chang, C.-C., Teng, N.-C., Huang, W.-T., Lin, C.-T. and Huang, Y.-K. (2019). A Cross-Sectional Study of Endogenous Antioxidants and Patterns of Dental Visits of Periodontitis Patients. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, [online] 16(2). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6351947/ [Accessed 21 Jan. 2021].

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Zarban, A., Ebrahimipour, S., Sharifzadeh, G.-R., Rashed-Mohassel, A. and Barkooi, M. (2017). Comparison of Salivary Antioxidants in Children with Primary Tooth Abscesses before and after Treatment in Comparison with Healthy Subjects. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention : APJCP, [online] 18(12), pp.3315–3318. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980889/ [Accessed 21 Jan. 2021].

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