I continue to be amazed at what researchers are currently finding that good ole vitamin C can do. I’ve featured previous posts about some of the wonders C can provide, and each time I do it prompts me to up the amount I take, but I have to admit that there are times when I forget to take it. But after reading this article by Jonathan Landsman for Natural Health 365, I immediately got up and took a big dose and was reminded of how vitamin C is such an easy and inexpensive way of providing my body ( and gums!) with so much support.
(NaturalHealth365) Periodontal disease is characterized by swollen, bleeding gums and pocket formation. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Conventionally speaking, deep dental cleanings and oral surgery tend to be the ‘standard’ form of treatment for this condition.
Unfortunately, most patients are never told that collagen – the connective tissue, capable of building up the gums – is needed to strengthen the teeth. This is where large doses of vitamin C could work wonders on restore gum health.
A better solution for gum disease
There is a shifting paradigm in our understanding of gum disease. Many researchers in the field of nutrition understand bleeding swollen gums are a sign of scurvy – which is the hallmark of a vitamin C deficiency.
How does vitamin C help to prevent gum disease?
Everything from receding gums and tooth sensitivity can often be attributed to a vitamin C deficiency. It is estimated that gums turn over at least 20% of their collagen every single day. Collagen supports the gums by promoting both circulation and strength.
Every time teeth touch each other, from chewing food or grinding together, they use up some vitamin C. This is why the teeth that touch first when you close your mouth will have the most gum recession, decay and plaque buildup.
Yes, vitamin C inhibits the formation of plaque and tartar. In fact, vitamin C is referred to as the invisible toothbrush. Even if you are a tooth brushing fanatic – you may not get the results you want without adequate amounts of vitamin C.
Vitamin C deficiency promotes plaque buildup
There are scientific studies cited in the Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine which looked at brushing frequency and vitamin C status. Research revealed that individuals brushing once a day – and having good vitamin C levels – had less plaque than those who brushed twice or more daily, but had low levels of vitamin C.
People that grind or clench their teeth will notice more sensitivity and gum problems because of their increased need of vitamin C. Also, it has been found that people who consume less than the daily allowance of vitamin C, are one and half times more likely to develop severe gingivitis than those who consumed three times the amount.
While only a small amount of vitamin C intake a day is needed to prevent scurvy, this is hardly sufficient for optimal adrenal and oral health. What isn’t well recognized is that scurvy is a continuum and although low levels of scurvy aren’t recognized by the medical establishment – it still exists.
Vitamin C effectively kills unfriendly bacteria
Since vitamin C is one of the best natural defenses against bacteria – it is essential for health teeth and gums. Let’s not forget, the mouth is the gateway to the body not only for food, but also for unwanted bacteria.
The toxins – which the bacteria emit – are a real cause of dental disease. They promote gum pocketing, which eventually leads to tooth lost. While vitamin C is one of the best toxin killers – it is also a wonderful electron donor.
Toxins deplete electron stores at the cellular level. Having sufficient electrons inside your cells will save the gum walls – when toxins are prevalent in the oral cavity.
How modern dentistry fails to save teeth
Periodontal exams are considered the best form of prevention. That’s like saying mammograms prevent breast cancer – very deceptive, to say the least.
If periodontal and dentist recommendations for gum and tooth health were so good why would we have statistics which say one out of every two American adults, over 30 years of age, have some form of periodontal disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the risk for adults – 65 and older – goes up to 70.1 percent. Their study was published in the Journal of Dental Research, the official publication of the International and American Associations for Dental Research.
Will conventional dentistry ever tell the truth about gum disease?
The simple fact is most Americans are eating too many simple sugars and processed foods. All processed foods along with sugar, corn syrup, and other sweeteners deplete the body of vitamin C.
Yet, this fact is not addressed by the dental association and guidelines for dental health fail to mention the importance of vitamin C. One thing to remember – when choosing any form of vitamin C – avoid the GMOs. Unfortunately, most brands contain genetically engineered ingredients – so ask your supplier before you make your purchase.
Generally speaking, only around 20% of oral vitamin C is absorbed – with the balance remaining in the gastrointestinal tract to attract water and loosen the bowels.
Periodontal disease, once established, needs more than a low dose vitamin C supplement. This is where liposome-encapsulated vitamin C can help. Liposomal vitamin C (see this previous post for more on liposomal C) is utilized and absorbed easily and can be taken in larger amounts – without the risk of diarrhea or stomach upset.
Bottom line, daily brushing and flossing are simply not enough to avoid gum disease. Be sure to maintain a healthy diet – low in simple sugars and processed foods. Plus, always eat a diet rich in vitamin C and supplement – if needed.
Source: http://www.naturalhealth365.com/vitamin_c/prevent-gum-disease-1056.html#sthash.CB1teF7w.dpuf
References:
http://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm
http://nutri.com/blog/2012/02/vitamin-c-vital-to-dental-health
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15693825
http://www.doctoryourself.com/toothbrush.htm
Related Self-help Health posts:
http://www.naturalnews.com/044118_vitamin_C_stroke_risk_healthy_immune_system.html
https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2014/02/15/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-c/
https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2014/02/19/vitamin-c-takes-on-the-big-c/
https://selfhelphealth.wordpress.com/2014/04/24/natural-ways-to-support-dental-health/
Of course you can get vitamin C just about anywhere, but why not shop iHerb.com and get it at a discount?! Use code CJG192 if you are a new customer and spend more than $40 and you will get $10 off, plus take advantage of their wonderful specials and trial offer section. Shipping is free on orders of $20 and up, and there’s no sales tax. There’s an extra 5% off on orders over $60.
Vitacost.com is another on-line favorite of mine; if you are new to Vitacost and make your first purchase of $25 or more through the link on my webpage you will receive a $10 off coupon. And if you plan on shopping again after that, be sure to sign up for a free acct. at eBates.com, if you don’t already have one. That way you can use the eBates portal to shop at Vitacost (and 100s of other popular stores) and earn cash back on your purchases. Plus, eBates also offers some reward–I got a $10 gift card–when you place your first $25 order at a store through them. How does it get any better than that?!
Salud!
p.s. Be sure to subscribe to Self-help Health so you don’t miss any future posts. Also check out my new website Evolution Made Easier and blog of the same name for more helpful information, tips, tools and resources.
Disclaimer: Please note that any information here is provided as a guideline only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice of your physician, nutritionist, trained healthcare practitioner, and/or inner guidance system. Always consult a professional before undertaking any change to your normal health routine.
Self-help Health 
Zirah, I’ve commented on your posts in the past. I’m a dentist in Michigan and I love this post. Ever since I was a boy and read about sailors prior o the 1900’s suffering from scurvy because they didn’t have enough oranges to eat while at sea, I was sold on Vitamin C. I’m helping to spread the word and, believe me, a lot of my dental colleagues are doing the same. Keep up the good work.
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Of course I remember you and I’ve always appreciated when you’ve taken the time to comment on a post. And it’s always nice to hear that I featured some information that someone else enjoyed or found helpful. I love that you incorporate the power and importance of natural healing aids, like “good ole vitamin C”, into your dental practice. I think I’ve said it before, but it would be nice to have more dentists like you in this area!
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