Antioxidant Phytochemicals for the Prevention of Fluoride-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis: a Review

Fluorosis is a major public health problem globally. The non-availability of specific treatment and the irreversible nature of dental and skeletal lesions poses a challenge in the management of fluorosis. Oxidative stress is known to be one of the most important mechanisms of fluoride toxicity. Fluoride promotes the accumulation of reactive oxygen species by inhibiting the activity of antioxidant enzymes, resulting in the excessive production of reactive oxygen species at the cellular level which further leads to activation of cell death processes such as apoptosis. Phytochemicals that act as antioxidants have the potential to protect cells from oxidative stress. Evidence confirms that clinical symptoms of fluorosis can be mitigated to some extent or prevented by long-term intake of antioxidants and plant products. The primary purpose of this review is to examine recent findings that focus on the amelioration of fluoride-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by natural and synthetic phytochemicals and their molecular mechanisms of action.