Adequate Daily Intake Vitamin C Is An Effective Preventive Measure Against Gum Disease.
It has long been known that healthier smiles are not only achieved through proper oral hygiene. What you eat can also make a lot of difference in your oral health. Periodontist Chicago reveals that consuming more than 60 mg of vitamin C a day, the recommended daily allowance for vitamin C, is an effective preventive measure against periodontal diseases.
Researchers conducted a study on 12,419 adults ages 20 to 90 years to determine the valuable effect of vitamin C on dental and gum health. It was found that consumption of less than 60 mg of vitamin C a day is strongly associated to the development of gum disease. According to the results of the study, individuals who take less than the RDA for vitamin C is 1.5 more likely to have severe inflammation of the gums compared to individuals who consumed more than 180 mg of vitamin C daily.
The study also found that tobacco smokers are more vulnerable to periodontal disease. Aside from the harmful and toxic effects of chemicals in tobacco smoke on the teeth and gums, smoking can greatly reduce the body’s vitamin C level, which further increases the smokers’ chances of developing gum inflammation.  Cigarette smoke contains a lot of detrimental oxidants or free radicals that can severely damage the cells, most especially the brain cells, and cause alterations in their normal processes.  The body uses up a lot of vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, to scavenge or clear up the increased free radicals found in smokers.
Smokers who consume less than 60 mg of vitamin C are doubly susceptible to periodontal diseases. It is recommended female smokers should consume more than 95 mg of vitamin C daily. Male smokers should take in 110 mg of vitamin C a day. Individuals who are exposed to second hand smoke are also advised to increase their intake of vitamin C. Oranges, broccoli, kiwifruits, cantaloupes, strawberries, kale, brussels sprouts and papayas are good sources of vitamin C.
Vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of collagen, the chief protein in connective tissues. Thus, vitamin C deficiency can result in spongy gums, gum bleeding and tooth loss.
Periodontist Chicago recommends good nutrition with adequate intake of the much needed vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and calcium, for healthier gums and teeth. It is important to constantly adhere to good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly and thoroughly.  It is also advised to make regular appointments with your dentist to help you keep your healthy smile for a lifetime.
For optimum oral health, you can visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can reach him at (321)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but a highly qualified general dentist who treats gum diseases with a laser, and not a scalpel.

Tags: chicago gum disease, Chicago Periodontist, chicago periodontist disease

This entry was posted on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 4:55 pm and is filed under Bleeding Gums Chicago, Chicago Periodontist, Periodontist Chicago. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.