Loss of gum tissue is a common oral health problem, and one of its most frequent causes is vitamin C deficiency. Also known as scurvy, vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums, as well as other serious oral health problems. Read on to learn more about this sneaky deficiency and what you can do to prevent it.
Vitamin C And Your Oral Health
Vitamin C is an important nutrient for overall health, but it is also essential for oral health. Vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, which is a key structural protein in teeth and gums. Furthermore, vitamin C helps to keep the gums healthy by preventing cell damage and inflammation.
Scurvy And Your Oral Health
While few people in developed countries suffer from full-blown scurvy these days, even a mild vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums and other oral health problems. In addition to bleeding gums, vitamin C deficiency can also cause mouth sores, dry mouth, and gum disease.
Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor oral health, but did you know that they can also be caused by vitamin C deficiency? Also known as scurvy, vitamin C deficiency can lead to bleeding gums as well as other serious oral health problems if left untreated. To prevent scurvy and keep your gums healthy, make sure to include plenty of vitamin-C-rich foods in your diet or take a supplement if necessary.
Symptoms of Vitamin C Deficiency
One of the most common symptoms of vitamin C deficiency is bleeding gums. This is because, without enough vitamin C, the body can’t produce enough collagen to keep gums healthy. Other symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include dry skin, easy bruising and bleeding, rough patches on the skin, slowed wound healing, and joint pain.
If you suspect you may be deficient in vitamin C, it’s important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible, as this can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. Fortunately, vitamin C deficiency is relatively easy to treat with diet or supplements.
How To Prevent Vitamin C Deficiency
The best way to prevent scurvy and other oral health problems associated with vitamin C deficiency is to make sure that you’re getting enough of this important nutrient in your diet. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and Brussels sprouts. If you don’t like eating your veggies raw, steaming them lightly is a good way to preserve their nutrient content. You can also get your daily dose of vitamin C from supplements; just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
How to Get More Vitamin C
The best way to get more vitamin C is through diet. Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons are great sources of vitamin C, as are tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, and strawberries. You can also get small amounts of vitamin C from potatoes and dark leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard. If you don’t think you’re getting enough from diet alone, talk to your doctor about whether supplements may be right for you.