VIT C IN DENTAL HEALTH

[Anonymous]

Vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements have recently been tested as therapeutic healing agents. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essential nutrient that serves to maintain the integrity of bone, connective tissue, and teeth. A prolonged deficiency of vitamin C results in scurvy, a chronic disorder characterized by various dental symptoms including gingivitis, periodontal inflammation, abnormal dentin formation, and tooth loss. The role of vitamin C supplementation in preventive dental health maintenance and in speeding the recovery from dental surgery has recently emerged as the subject of increasing scientific investigation.
The present chapter reviews original and published research regarding the clinical applications of vitamin C in dentistry. Several direct and catalytic biodynamic actions of supplementary ascorbic acid in the body are outlined which have been identified as promoting oral health and the rapid recuperation from dental diseases and surgical procedures. Vitamin C has been demonstrated as effective in stimulating the immune system and subsequently reducing the potential for post-surgical infection. Vitamin C can also enhance wound repair following dental extractions through the strengthening of socket blood clots, as well as by increasing the body’s construction of scar tissue and the synthesis and deposition of collagen.

        

[Anonymous]

Low dietary vitamin C increases risk of periodontal disease. Specific pathogenic bacteria that produce inflammation and bone loss in susceptible individuals cause periodontal disease. Although researchers have identified most of the periodontal pathogens, the reasons why some individuals are susceptible to periodontal disease are not well understood. One of the factors thought to affect susceptibility is vitamin C. However, is there a relationship between low intake of vitamin C and a greater incidence of periodontal disease? That question was addressed in a study that was published in the Journal of Periodontology (2000;71:1215–1223). The sample for this study consisted of 12,419 adults between the ages of 20 and 90 years that were a part of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This sample of individuals is representative of the US civilian, non institutionalized population. A 24-hour dietary record estimated the dietary intake of vitamin C of these individuals. In addition, a thorough periodontal screening was performed to identify individuals with periodontal disease. Then, the incidence of attachment loss was correlated with the dietary levels of vitamin C. The results of this study showed a statistically significant relationship between reduced dietary vitamin C and increased risk for periodontal disease for the overall population. Current and former tobacco users who also had lower levels of dietary vitamin C were at even greater risk. On the basis of this study, those individuals taking the lowest levels of vitamin C and who also smoke are likely to show the greatest clinical effect on the periodontal tissues.

        

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