Health & Fitness
To help you Gobble Gobble:
Periodontal health can be affected by your diet. Your overall health IS definitely affected by your oral health. The Pilgrims learned the importance of Vitamin C.
Thankfully, we don’t have some of the problems that the pilgrims had in the early days here in America. After the long voyage across the sea on The Mayflower, many were suffering from a disease called “scurvy.” Scurvy is caused by a deficiency of ascorbic acid -or more commonly known as Vitamin C. Although scurvy is not something most Americans have to worry about today, we still need to make sure we are getting enough Vitamin C in our diet.
As we enter into cold and flu season, Vitamin C is a great immune system booster. If you eat the recommended 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables a day, you will get a whopping 200 mg of vitamin C. However, most of us in this fast-paced, fast-food world we are living in are probably lacking in that department! The FDA recommends 60 mg, but some studies show that a higher dose is more beneficial to your health. Check with your provider on a recommended daily dose that is right for you.
Vitamin C also plays a vital role in dental health. Like the pilgrims, a deficiency can be harmful to your oral health – perhaps not to the point of scurvy – but Vitamin C helps the lining of the gums (epithelium) stay healthy despite the bacteria that inhabit the mouth. Healthy gums isolate the bacteria from the roots of the teeth despite their close proximity. When one starts developing gingivitis and it’s big brother Periodontitis (these are basically gum disease) bacteria start to penetrate the gums, through tiny lesions or weakened lining, it is within the gums that the immune system fights to eradicate the harmful bacteria and to ensure the health of the gums as well as the underlying tooth-supporting ligaments and bone.
So you knew Vitamin C was good for fighting a cold, but now you know it can benefit your oral health! Here at Dillon Family Dentistry, we want you to be healthy! Remember, prevention is the key, so schedule your visits every six months for the best health of all! Call 610-525-5497 and schedule your appointment today! The Pilgrims all wished they could have had the help of this Bryn Mawr dentist. They couldn’t have me, but you can!
