One of the most important vitamins needed by the body’s tissues is Vitamin C. Tissues throughout the body need it for growth and repair, including the mouth, teeth and gums. Without it they become susceptible to infection. Since the 18th century, people have known the importance of Vitamin C. Sailors always brought limes during their long trips at sea to help in preventing swollen gums and bleeding gums.
Vitamin C has been known to help achieve good dental heath. Deficiency of such vitamin is mostly due to malnutrition which can lead to gum disease because this vitamin helps produce collagen in the skin, and the gums are considered skin tissue. If there is not enough Vitamin C in the body’s system, the body will have a hard time replenishing the gum tissue. If the gums start to recede, Vitamin C must be taken to help treat the problem.
It has been a fact that Vitamin C is an antioxidant needed for the synthesis of collagen. It helps strengthen blood vessel walls and the immune system to fight infection. One study even proved that people who consumed more Vitamin C that the recommended dietary allowance has lesser risk in developing severe gingivitis, a disease that usually starts with swollen gums.
Vitamin C is water soluble that is why the body cannot store nor produce it, a person must continuously attain this vitamin. The main dietary sources for Vitamin C are from fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits and leafy vegetables. Eating foods rich in vitamin C such as grapefruit, oranges, kiwi fruit, mango, papaya, strawberry, red pepper, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe can help boost your intake. One can also go for supplements but must avoid those of the chewable Vitamin C. This is because the acidity may promote the erosion of tooth enamel over time.
If a person has swollen gums, one must always check if he gets the appropriate vitamins and minerals needed by the body to fight the infection brought by such problem. Vitamin C is one of its most important vitamins but it doesn’t mean that one can neglect the other needed nutrients. Having a well balanced diet and proper oral hygiene can always help achieve the best dental health one wants for his mouth. With swollen gums, one must brush, floss and use an effective mouth rinse to clean the teeth and gums from bacteria and eat the complete and proper food needed by the body to help combat such disease.
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