If you take supplemental vitamin C, be sure to tell your Northridge dental professionals such as your dentist, hygienist, and dental assistant. Vitamin C supplements can enhance or oral health, however, they can also cause problems with your teeth and gums. Here are some positive and negative effects of supplemental vitamin C on your oral health.
Lowers Periodontal Disease Risk
Vitamin C helps keep your gums strong, healthy, and resistant to disease. It also helps support the health of the underlying bones that support your teeth. Vitamin C deficiencies can cause oral hemorrhage, periodontitis, and gum inflammation. If you don’t eat enough vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, or green leafy vegetables, consider supplementation. Ask your Northridge dental professional how high a dosage you should take for oral health. Don’t take more than the recommended dosage because if you do, you may develop acid reflux or abdominal pain.
Enamel Damage
Vitamin C supplements can also weaken your dental enamel because of their high acidity content. This is known as acid erosion or enamel erosion. When your enamel wears away, bacteria and other pathogens can get inside your tooth, raising your risk for dental decay and infections. Your dentist can identify acid erosion by examining your teeth because they may look worn down, transparent, or appear round. Enamel damage caused by acid erosion may also cause tiny cracks in your teeth.
