According to the Periodontist Chicago Residents Who Do Not Consume Enough Vitamin C Could Increase Their Risk of Developing Gum Disease
New Research Indicates That Individuals Who’s Diets Lack Vitamin C From Are More Likely to Suffer From Periodontal Disease
It is fairly common knowledge that vitamin C is an essential nutrient, and plays a vital role in our overall health and well being. Vitamin C is a crucial element to the efficient functioning of the body and has many benefits that include treating and reducing the severity of cold symptoms, inhibiting the production of collagen, as well as acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radicals. Vitamin C has also been believed to help to prevent some forms of cancer, heart disease and development of cataracts by protecting the lens of the eye from the sun. Dating all the way back to the late 18th century, sailors relied on vitamin C from oranges to prevent scurvy, which is a disease brought on by vitamin C deficiency and characterized by bleeding gums. According to the periodontist Chicago residents who do not consume enough vitamin C may also be more prone to developing periodontal disease.
A recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology detailed a study aimed at analyzing vitamin C and its relation to gingivitis, or the early stages of periodontal disease. The researchers examined vitamin C consumption in several thousand adults and discovered that those individuals who consumed less than the recommended daily allowance (60mg or approximately on orange) were nearly one and a half times more likely to develop gingivitis as those individuals who consumed three times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C (180mg). Although more research is needed, many believe this correlation could be partly due to vitamin C’s role in maintaining and repairing tissue associated with its antioxidant properties.
Researchers have also determined that tobacco users have a much higher incidence of gum disease if they have insufficient levels of vitamin C. Smokers tend to utilize vitamin C in higher amounts than non smokers, as their body attempts to counteract the smoke oxidants. Since smokers tend to turnover vitamin C at higher rates, it has been recommended that they consume on average 90 mg of vitamin C daily in an effort to supply their body with the vitamin C it needs to function properly. Smoking is dangerous and increases the risk of damaging the gums and oral bone tissue, regardless of the level of vitamin C consumed.
There are many benefits to consuming sufficient levels of vitamin C as part of a well balanced, healthy diet. As indicated by the periodontist, Chicago residents should practice positive oral hygiene habits including brushing and flossing regularly, as well as seeking regular oral evaluations and cleanings, combined with a nutritious diet to avoid developing periodontal disease.
If you have questions about or would like more information on prevention and treatment of gum disease using state of the art laser technology, contact Dr. Michael Marcus today. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist, but a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease using a laser instead of a scalpel. Finally, there is an alternative to old cut and stitch surgery methods to treating gum disease. Don’t delay your treatment any longer; to learn how you can get the perfect smile you have always dreamed of, contact Dr. Michael Marcus today at (312) 263-6898.
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