Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of your body. Ascorbic acid also helps your body make collagen, a protein used to make cartilage, skin, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Ascorbic acid deficiency can cause gum problems.
Ascorbic Acid and Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums. Healthy gums are usually pale pink and firm in appearance. Ascorbic acid deficiency can cause your gums to become inflamed. Ascorbic acid deficiency causes your body to manufacture defective collagen that cannot form strong connective tissue, which leads to gum inflammation. Gingivitis symptoms include red-purple gums, bright red gums, gums that bleed easily even with gentle-brushing, receding gums, tender gums, mouth sores and bad breath, according to MayoClinic.com. Schedule an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of these symptoms.
Natural Sources of Ascorbic Acid
Eating foods rich in ascorbic acid can help prevent gingivitis. Raw fruits and vegetables have the highest amounts of ascorbic acid. Cooking destroys the ascorbic content in food. Eat raw foods such as oranges, pineapples, kiwi fruits, grapefruit, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya, green peppers, mango, citrus juices, tomatoes, strawberries, spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, kale and squash.
Ascorbic Acid Supplements
You can take ascorbic acid supplements if your diet does not meet the daily requirements. Consult your doctor before taking over-the-counter ascorbic acid supplements because they can interfere with some medications. Ascorbic acid supplements are available in the form of chewable tablets, capsules, lozenges, drops and liquids. Your doctor will help you determine the right form to take. Take ascorbic acid supplements with food to prevent stomach irritation. Large doses of vitamin C may cause upset stomach, diarrhea and gas, according to PubMedHealth.
Ascorbic Acid Deficiency Symptoms
If you have ascorbic acid deficiency, you may experience symptoms such as nosebleeds; easy bruising; slow-healing wounds; reopening of previously healed sore, rough, dry and scaly skin; and dry splitting hair. Severe ascorbic deficiency can cause a disease called scurvy.
Ascorbic acid deficiency has also been associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, stroke, cancer and atherosclerosis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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