It has been connected to an increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, arthritis, premature births, and other serious conditions.^1,2

Diabetics are at a high risk for periodontitis.²

Nearly half of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease, while in those over age 65 the prevalence rises to over 70%.³

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the health of gum and periodontal tissues.

Recent studies on the link between vitamin C and the risk and severity of gum disease have found the following:

• Vitamin C deficiency is a risk factor for periodontitis.⁴ In an observational study of patients with periodontitis, vitamin C levels were significantly lower in those with Stage IV periodontitis (the most severe stage, with the potential for loss of all teeth) as compared to the people with early stages of disease. This led researchers to conclude that vitamin C deficiency could increase risk of periodontitis.

• Higher vitamin C intake is associated with less plaque.⁵ Another observational study revealed that patients with periodontitis did not meet the recommended intake levels of vitamin C. However, the higher the intake of vitamin C, the lower the plaque index value (an assessment of the levels and rate of plaque formation on tooth surfaces). These results reinforce evidence that vitamin C could help protect against the onset of periodontal disease.
• Poor dietary intake of vitamin C and other nutrients increases risk of periodontal disease.⁶ A systematic review of research databases found that lower intake of vitamin C (as well as vitamin E, beta-carotene, and calcium) was associated with increased risk of periodontal disease in older adults.

• Smoking could increase periodontitis by reducing vitamin C levels.⁷ Smokers have a higher prevalence and severity of periodontal disease than non-smokers. Smokers also require almost two-fold higher intake of vitamin C than nonsmokers to reach adequate vitamin C concentration.8 One study investigated the association between smoking and vitamin C levels and its impact on periodontal condition in older adults. The researchers found that subjects with the highest prevalence of periodontal issues had the lowest vitamin C levels; this may be influenced by smoking status.⁷

The above evidence suggests that vitamin C intake when used in conjunction with daily oral health—proper brushing and flossing—and regular periodontal checkups may help combat gum disease, reduce plaque, and support oral health.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

1. Available at: https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/periodontitis. Accessed November 28, 2023.
2. Martínez-García M, Hernández-Lemus E. Periodontal Inflammation and Systemic Diseases: An Overview. Front Physiol. 2021;12:709438.
3. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html. Accessed November 22, 2023.
4. Assaf M, Rabi H. Assessment of Vitamin C Levels in Periodontal Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Palestine. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2022 Jul;14(Suppl 1):S903-S6.
5. Guasti L, Cianferotti L, Pampaloni B, et al. Evaluation of food and nutrient intake in a population of subjects affected by periodontal disease with different levels of bone mineral density. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1098366.
6. O'Connor JP, Milledge KL, O'Leary F, et al. Poor dietary intake of nutrients and food groups are associated with increased risk of periodontal disease among community-dwelling older adults: a systematic literature review. Nutr Rev. 2020 Feb 1;78(2):175-88.
7. Yoshihara A, Nakashima K, Suwama K, et al. Interaction between serum vitamin C levels and smoking on the periodontal condition in older adults. J Periodontal Res. 2022 Jun;57(3):587-93.
8. Carr AC, Lykkesfeldt J. Factors Affecting the Vitamin C Dose-Concentration Relationship: Implications for Global Vitamin C Dietary Recommendations. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 29;15(7).