What Can Low Folic Acid Do To Teeth?

Folate, or vitamin B-9, is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for growth and development. Specifically, it is essential for synthesis of DNA and RNA as well as amino acid metabolism. Accordingly, the overall detriment of a folate deficiency is problems with growth and development. This causes myriad of secondary issues, leading to related symptoms. However, these symptoms are rather general. Therefore, blood tests are necessary for a proper diagnosis. Visit a doctor if you suspect any nutrient deficiencies.

Tooth and Mouth Effects

One of the primary indications of a folate deficiency is oral irritation and degeneration. Most often, a deficiency will result in a swollen tongue and frequent mouth ulcerations. This can exacerbate to inflamed gums, weakened tooth enamel and even tooth loss. However, these are typical of particularly extreme cases and can occur as a result of other health issues. Subsequently, it is essential to obtain a professional diagnosis before making any determinations based on these symptoms.

Other Effects

Although a folate deficiency can have a marked influence on oral health, its effects are comprehensive. Other complications associated with the deficiency include curly or graying hair, slowed or arrested growth, diarrhea and peptic ulcers. Deficiencies can also develop into anemia, or low red blood cell levels, as well as low white blood cell and platelet levels. Folate deficiencies in pregnant women can cause neural tube effects, such as brain and spinal cord damage.

Causes

The most common cause of folate deficiencies are poor diets that do not contain enough of the nutrient. However, that remains uncommon, as it appears prevalently among most foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and meats. On the other hand, folate is water-soluble, which means that it dissolves in water and filters from the bloodstream via the renal system. Therefore, the body needs a constant supply daily. Eating overcooked food and taking certain medications, such as phenytoin, can also result in a deficiency. Other, less common causes include diseases that inhibit absorption, like celiac disease or alcoholism, and hemolytic anemia. Pregnant women need more folate than usual during their third trimester.

Considerations and Dosages

Rather than acting on its own, folic acid is a coenzyme. This means that it requires other chemicals, vitamin C and B-12, to fulfill its purpose. Therefore, deficiencies in these vitamins can also result in symptoms associated with a folate deficiency. Oral supplementation usually corrects deficiencies within two weeks. Appropriate daily dosages are 65 micrograms for infants up to 6 months, 80 micrograms for infants up to 1 year, 150 micrograms for toddlers up to 3 years of age, 200 micrograms for children up to 8, 300 micrograms for children up to 13 and 400 micrograms for those older than 14. Pregnant women should consult their physicians for necessary regimens while pregnant.