Is Your Gingivitis A Result Of A Lack Of Vitamin C?

Most of us know the importance of vitamin C in our diet. That’s why during cold and flu season we are constantly drinking orange juice, eating citrus fruit, and loading up on vitamin C supplements.

Vitamin C serves an important role in fending off illness, and it also helps our bodies to maintain teeth and bones. Additionally, studies have shown that a lack of this vitamin in our diet can cause problems with the gums – specifically gingivitis and bleeding gums.

If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis and both you and your dentist feel that you are doing an adequate job with your oral hygiene routine, you should take a close look at your diet. Specifically, look at whether you are getting enough vitamin C, including eating carrots, sweet potatoes, oranges, and red peppers.

When it comes to vitamin C and gum health, orange juice alone doesn’t cut it, as this drink is highly acidic, and more nutrients will be found by eating the actual fruit.

Additionally, the high acid content in orange juice can cause erosion of the enamel, so while it might provide minimal protection to your gums, you could be doing more harm than good when it comes to the teeth.

One thing that you should remember is that your body won’t store vitamin C for a considerable length of time. This means that taking a mega dose of vitamin C isn’t going to do you much good, as you’ll need to get some form of the vitamin into your body every day in order to enjoy any of its benefits.

If you don’t feel that you are able to get enough of the vitamin from your diet, a supplement or multivitamin can help. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that adult women get 75 milligrams per day, while adult men will need to consume about 90 milligrams each day.

Please contact us if you have any questions about gingivitis.