Low Dietary Vitamin C Can Increase Risk for Periodontal Disease
People who consume less than the recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C have slightly higher rates of periodontal disease
CHICAGO – August 16, 2000 – A study in the August 2000 issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that people
who consume less than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for vitamin C have slightly higher rates of periodontal disease.
Researchers analyzed vitamin C intakes and periodontal disease indicators in 12,419 U.S. adults. They found that patients
who consumed less than the recommended 60 mg per day (about one orange) were at nearly one-and-a-half times the risk of developing
severe gingivitis as those who consumed three times the RDA (more than 180 mg). Gingivitis
is the mildest form of periodontal disease, and it causes the gums to become red, swell and bleed easily.
Study Abstract *
Researcher Robert Genco, D.D.S., Ph.D., chair of the Oral Biology
Department at The State University of New York at Buffalo, says the relationship between severe vitamin C
deficiency and gum health has long been known. "In the late 18th century, sailors away at sea would eat
limes to prevent their gums from bleeding," Genco said. "The relationship between vitamin C and periodontal disease
is likely due to vitamin C's role in maintaining and repairing healthy connective tissue along with its antioxidant properties."
"Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disorder that increases tissue damage and loss. Since vitamin C
is known as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which form part of the body's antioxidant defense system,
low levels of dietary vitamin C may compromise the body's ability to neutralize these tissue destructive oxidants," explained Genco.
Researchers also found that tobacco users especially had higher levels of periodontal
disease if they also consumed lower levels of dietary vitamin C. "Since oxidants from cigarette smoking lower vitamin C
levels in the blood, smokers need higher levels of dietary vitamin C to help counteract smoke's oxidants," said Genco.
"It's also important to add that cigarette smoke contains numerous oxidants that can cause periodontal tissue damage regardless of vitamin
C intake," Genco added.
"Diet plays an important role in the overall well-being of oral health. Especially in light of other new research between calcium
and periodontal disease," said Jack Caton, D.D.S., M.S., president of the American Academy of
Periodontology (AAP). "However, people need to keep in mind that vitamins, dietary supplements and good nutrition are not cures
for periodontal disease. Patients must also brush and floss, and ask their dentist or periodontist about the state of their
periodontal health to help prevent tooth loss."
* EDITOR'S NOTE: Representatives of the media may contact the AAP Public Affairs Department to receive a copy of the study
Dietary Vitamin C and the Risk for Periodontal
Disease. Abstracts of Journal of Periodontology articles are available to the public online. Full-text of studies may
be accessed by AAP members and Journal subscribers or purchased online.
About the AAP
The
American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is is an 8,000-member professional organization for periodontists - specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation and receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school. Periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.
Find out if you are at risk for periodontal diseases by taking the Academy’s risk assessment test. Referral to a periodontist in your area is available by calling 800-FLOSS-EM or visiting the AAP's website at www.perio.org.
For more information, contact the AAP Public Affairs Department at meg@perio.org or 312/573-3242.
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