3 Ways Low Levels Of Vitamin C Can Affect Your Mouth

Posted on: 8 August 2018

Vitamin C is an important nutrient that is thought to enhance collagen health, boost immunity, promote wound healing, and diminish systemic inflammation. It is abundant in citrus fruit and green leafy vegetables; however, many people are still deficient. Low levels of vitamin C can adversely affect your teeth and gums. Here are three ways decreased vitamin C levels can negatively affect your mouth and what you can do about them.

1. Gum Retraction

Because vitamin C has such a profound effect on optimal collagen production, low levels can lead to poor gum health. This can heighten your risk for gum infections and gum retraction. If you notice that your gum tissue is pulling away, or retracting from your teeth, consider increasing your vitamin C intake. If you are unable to tolerate citrus fruit or green leafy vegetables, talk to your dentist about taking supplements. If your gum problems are the result of low levels of vitamin C, increasing your intake will result in an improvement within a couple of weeks or so.

2. Spontaneous Gingival Bleeding

Severe vitamin C deficiencies, or deficiencies that are long-standing, can result in a condition known as scurvy. While not as common as it once was, scurvy still can affect those who fail to consume enough vitamin C. Scurvy can cause profound fatigue, muscle pain, jaundice, and bleeding gums. 

Bleeding gums related to scurvy is often spontaneous, meaning that it is not related to brushing, flossing, or other trauma to your gum tissue. If you notice the taste of blood in your mouth, or if your gums start bleeding for no reason, see both your dentist and physician, who may recommend that you consider taking a simple blood test to determine if your vitamin C stores are abnormal. If your levels are low, supplemental vitamin C may be recommended. After about a week, you may notice that your gums do not spontaneously bleed anymore. 

3. Increased Risk For Oral Infection

Vitamin C is essential for optimal immunity, and when your immunity is low because of deficient vitamin C stores, you may be more susceptible to infections, including those in your mouth. Oral infections that can develop as a result of inadequate vitamin C intake include periodontitis, fungal infections, and yeast infections such as candidiasis.

If you notice white patches on your tongue or on the lining of your cheeks, you may have a yeast infection. If you do, your dentist may recommend an anti-fungal rinse to help eliminate the offending microorganism. Once the fungi or yeast has been cleared from your oral cavity, the white patches will subside. 

If you believe that your vitamin C intake is less than optimal, see your dentist and physician. When you work with both of these disciplines, you will be more likely to enjoy better overall health as well as healthy teeth and gums. For more information, contact a company like Pinon Hills Dental.