Pros And Cons Of Vitamin C On Oral Health
Posted on: 14 October 2019
Everyone needs vitamin C in order to stay healthy. It helps support a healthy immune system and it also helps maintain optimal collagen function. It has strong antioxidant properties and is abundant in citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Consuming a vitamin C-rich diet or taking vitamin C supplements can have both positive and negative effects on your oral health. Here are some pros and cons of consuming large amounts of vitamin C to discuss with your family dentist.
Benefits Of Vitamin C On Oral Health
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or floss, you may be deficient in vitamin C. One of the first symptoms of a vitamin C deficiency is inflamed bleeding gums. Taking vitamin C for only a week or so may significantly improve the condition of your bleeding gums and may also help decrease gingival inflammation. Not only does vitamin C help stop bleeding gums, but it also helps prevent gum disease.
If you have existing gum disease, consuming more vitamin C will help heal them because of its potent antimicrobial properties. If you take supplements, your dentist will recommend the appropriate dosage. If you have acid reflux disease, be sure to get your recommended daily allowances for vitamin C through fruits and vegetables. Taking vitamin C supplements may worsen existing digestive problems
Oral Problems Associated With Too Much Vitamin C
While vitamin C is essential to your oral health, consuming high doses, especially in supplement form, may lead to enamel erosion. Also known as acid erosion, enamel erosion causes your dental enamel to thin and weaken. When your tooth enamel gets too thin as a result of acid erosion, bacterial invaders can enter your tooth, causing cavities and infections. Citrus juices such as orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lemonade can also cause acid erosion, as can coffee.
Your dentist can tell you if you have acid erosion and if you do, he or she may recommend that you stop taking vitamin C supplements and stop drinking the aforementioned beverages. Using an enamel strengthening toothpaste or mouthwash can help re-harden your tooth enamel and prevent future erosion.
If you have questions about increasing your intake of vitamin C, talk to both your family dentist and physician. Vitamin C is important to dental health and your immunity, however, in order for it to provide optimal benefits, you will need to take the correct dosage.
For more information, contact companies like Sun Dental.
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