Key vitamin everyone needs to make sure they keep their teeth healthy

A crucial vitamin important for the entire human body also plays a huge role in the health of your teeth and gums. Research into the benefits of this key vitamin on the human body are well

documented, but more recently, it has been linked to being essential for dental health in adults and children. The beneficial effects of vitamin C in maintaining dental and oral health has

been studied - and regular intake “can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease”. Vitamin C intake works by strengthening gums as the nutrient sustains this connective tissue around the

teeth. A study paper published by the National Library of Medicine explained that “Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is typically obtained from the diet”. It described that “small

amounts of water-soluble vitamin C are needed to maintain normal body functions” - and as well as the importance of consuming the vitamin for overall health, the dental aspect has now been

explored. The National Library of Medicine’s research paper into “Maintaining Optimal Oral Health” reported: “Vitamin C contributes to collagen synthesis, which is an important protein for

providing tooth structure, support, and maintenance. Vitamin C induces calcium deposition, mineralisation, and reduces the risk of developing secondary caries in children. “In a

meta-analysis conducted to review dietary factors associated with dental erosion, (it was) revealed that chewing vitamin C tablets was significantly associated with tooth wear development.”

A warning of balance was also reported in the study - as many sources of vitamin, including “acidic” orange juice, can also wear down tooth enamel. The research advised “despite the

beneficial effect of vitamin C on dental health”, oral health practices should be heeded, such as “decreasing the time that soft drinks, fruits, and other vitamin C-containing staff remain

in the mouth”. Sunset Dentistry has also reported the benefits of vitamin C for teeth in a blog post. The experts explained that “vitamin C is an essential component for overall dental

health. Its deficiency can lead to shaky teeth and bleeding gums, among other dental issues”. The report by Sunset Dentistry about treating gum disease said: “Taking vitamin C supplements or

including vitamin C-rich foods in a balanced diet can help maintain gum health and overall oral hygiene. Regular intake can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease.” We may

immediately think of oranges being a good source of vitamin C, however, potatoes, spinach, peppers, kale and broccoli are also high in the compound. Because vitamin C is not stored in the

body, topping up with sources throughout the day is imperative. The report by the National Library of Medicine said: “There is scientific evidence linking periodontal disease and vitamin C

deficiency. Clinical studies have found that vitamin C depletion can cause gingival bleeding regardless of oral hygiene. “Individuals with lower blood levels of vitamin C have presented with

severe periodontal diseases compared to individuals with higher vitamin C concentration in their plasma. Vitamin C released from chewing gum used in healthy individuals can result in

lessened supragingival calculus deposition (plaque build-up). “Vitamin C reduces the inflammation reaction in periodontal disease, and the administration of vitamin C supplements has been

shown to improve periodontal conditions. The periodontal healing activity is attributed to the antioxidant activity of vitamin C, and its role in collagen biosynthesis that facilitates wound

healing. “A vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy which commonly manifests with bleeding gums and increased tooth mobility due to weakened collagen that constitutes periodontal

ligament, and leads to atrophic changes of ameloblasts (cells that deposit tooth enamel)and odontoblasts (cells that form the hard component of the tooth).”