Insufficient Vitamin C May Lead to Gum Disease

Insufficient Vitamin C May Lead to Gum Disease

BUFFALO, N.Y.--Dietary intake of vitamin C may lead to healthier gums, according to a study published in the August issue of The Journal of Periodontology (71:1215-1223). Researchers tested more than 12,000 participants who kept a 24-hour dietary journal. Researchers then estimated vitamin C intake and examined participants' gum tissue. It was found that those who consumed less than the recommended dietary intake of 60 mg of vitamin C per day had a modest increase in the risk of periodontal disease. Researchers concluded that low levels of vitamin C led to a small but significant risk of having unhealthy gums, even after accounting for factors such as diabetes, pre-existing periodontal disease, plaque formation and smoking. It was also noted that smokers may need higher levels of dietary vitamin C to help counteract exposure to cigarette smoke's toxins. For more information, visitwww.perio.org/journal/journal.html.