Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is an essential water-soluble vitamin that the body needs for tissue growth, immune support, and antioxidant protection. As human beings do not make it naturally, we need to absorb it from food or get it from supplements. FUNCTIONS OF VITAMIN C Collagen Production: Helps make collagen to build skin, bones, teeth and blood vessels. Wound Healing: Repairs damaged tissue. Iron Absorption: Helps the body absorb iron from plant foods. Cell Protection: Acts as an antioxidant to fight cell damage from free radicals. IMPLICATIONS OF VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY Known as Scurvy, Vitamin C deficiency impacts oral health by disrupting collagen production, causing bleeding gums, gingival swelling, and loosening of teeth. Gum and Periodontal Changes Gums bleed easily or on their own due to weak, fragile blood capillaries. Gums become large, spongy, soft and deep purple or red. Plaque buildup worsens gum disease because local defenses and tissue healing are low. Teeth and Supporting Structures Teeth become loose in their sockets as the supporting periodontal ligament and bone break down. Severe lack of support can lead to spontaneous tooth loss without pain. Reduced or abnormal dentin formation takes place inside the teeth. Oral Environment Persistent oral malodor, caused by bleeding gums and trapped bacteria. Mouth wounds, sores, or extraction sites take a long time to heal. The lining of the mouth becomes fragile and lets bacteria and toxins pass through easily. SOURCES OF VITAMIN C Fresh fruit like oranges, lemons, strawberries, one of the highest sources being Amla. Vegetables like bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli and leafy vegetables. While Vitamin C gets destroyed on cooking, so raw sources are favoured, the Vitamin C in Amla does not get destroyed by heat, so amla candy and Chyawanprash are excellent sources. If you have any symptoms like loose teeth or bleeding gums, visit Dr. Gallani’s Advanced Dental Clinic for an assessment. Call us on 02025881750 or 08042754192 or www.gallanidentalcare.com to schedule an appointment today!