Oral health benefits of vitamin C

Vitamin C, also known as an ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient in human body, tissues and fluids. Ascorbic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, and has an important role in the diet. It is required as a co-factor for many enzymes and its co-factor in Ca absorption. It is also, important for metabolism of some drugs and detoxification of toxic substances of the body. This vitamin serves to help in fighting infection and is important for proper function in immune system. It is also important to maintain the blood pressure in normal boundaries. In the oral cavity, vitamin C is important for synthesis of intercellular substance, connective tissue and collagen fibers. The relationship between vitamin C supplementation and dental and oral diseases appears to be more complicated. Collagen fibers are the essential substance in the periodontal tissue and gum, so, it is a key factor in wound healing in entire body and in the oral cavity, too. It serves to maintain the integrity of bone, connective tissue, teeth and gum. Vitamin C prevent oral pathological states because of its function with electrons. It reacts to reduce the inflammatory symptoms of the gym. Including vitamin C rich food in the diet prevent gingivitis and decrease the gingival bleeding which are conditions that may lead to tooth loss. Good sources of vitamin C are fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits (like lemon, orange, kiwi), and vegetables (like kale, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers) and decreese risks for many human and oral diseases and conditions. We can concluded that ascorbic acid is needed for various functions in the body and has a multiple role in humman homeostazis. Benefits of taking vitamin C in the oral cavity include maintaining healthy teeth, bones and good periodontal health and decrease the risk of oral premalignant lesions. The risk of oral premalignant lesions was significantly reduced with higher consumption of fruits, particularly citrus fruits and juices. Keywords: oral health, gingivitis, vitamin c, human immunity, homeostasis