Vitamin C can improve and restore gum health

Monday, April 04, 2011 by: Elizabeth Walling
Tags: vitamin C, gum health, health news

(NewsTarget) Gum health rarely receives the attention it deserves. However, knowing that three-quarters of Americans over the age of 35 are suffering from gum disease coupled with the fact that researchers believe gum disease is connected to heart disease means gum health is something to be taking seriously. Powerful nutrients like vitamin C will prove to be crucial for those looking to restore gum health the natural way.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when the tissues of the gums are affected by inflammation and infection. According to Ramiel Nagel, author of Cure Tooth Decay, gum disease is: "the degeneration of the periodontal ligament that connects the tooth to the socket. It is also the deterioration of the tissues around the mouth leaving the gums swollen, inflamed, and roots of the teeth overly exposed."

Vitamin C Benefits Gum Health

Gum disease is one sign of scurvy, a condition of vitamin C deficiency. Adults who consume less vitamin C in their diets are more likely to develop gum disease, according the a study published in the Journal of Periodontology. Researchers who studied more than 12,000 adults found that those who consumed less than 60 mg of vitamin C daily were far more likely to develop severe gingivitis than those consuming at least 180 mg per day. The benefits of vitamin C for gum health are thought to be connected to its antioxidant properties and its ability to help build connective tissue in the body.

Vitamin C Chewing Gum Protects Gum Health

A 2005 study showed that participants who chewed a gum containing 60 mg of vitamin C experienced significantly less plaque and calculus build up than those who chewed gum without vitamin C. Since plaque and calculus are signs of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease, reducing their presence in the mouth is extremely important for healthy gums.

Choosing the Best Vitamin C

The most effective vitamin C obviously comes straight from nature itself. Enjoy food naturally rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, strawberries, red peppers, mangos, kiwis and coconut water. If your gums are in need of advanced help, it`s time to turn to nature`s concentrated sources of vitamin C like acerola berry.

Further Reading:

http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Gum_Disease/gu...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15693825

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthcondit...

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.a...

About the author

Elizabeth Walling is a freelance writer specializing in health and family nutrition. She is a strong believer in natural living as a way to improve health and prevent modern disease. She enjoys thinking outside of the box and challenging common myths about health and wellness. You can visit her blog to learn more:
www.livingthenourishedlife.com/2009/10/welco...