Vitamin C - Did You Know …
By Ruby Ann Dollins, DDS

Of the hundreds of bodily functions in which Vitamin C is involved, here are some of its dental functions. It is an important anti-inflammatory agent in TMJ (jaw muscles) therapy and can help the body detoxify from heavy metals like mercury. It works synergistically with vitamin E.

Vitamin C also helps to prevent tooth decay, promotes healing for people suffering from periodontal disease, relieves cold sores, and is es­sential for the maintenance of healthy gums. This vitamin is also an antioxidant, and protects against infection throughout the body.

We need an almost constant supply of Vitamin C in the food we eat for two reasons: (1) Unlike many other mammals, humans can’t make their own Vitamin C, and (2) Because this vitamin is water-soluble, the body can’t store it for long. These two facts alone justify supplementation of this vitamin.

I recommend that you take up to 1000 milligrams of time-released (it doesn’t upset the stomach) Vitamin C per day if you:

• Smoke

• Are elderly

• Have a gum infection

• Are pregnant or breast-feeding

• Are recovering from a surgical procedure

• Drink too much alcohol

• Have a cold or the flu

• Have asthma or allergies

• Have diabetes

• Are under a lot of stress

• Take over-the-counter or prescription drugs that block the ab­sorption of vitamin C by your body or cause it to break down too quickly. Cortisone-containing drugs, some antibiotics, aspirin, and birth-control pills have this effect

The RDI for both men and women over age fifteen is 60 mil­ligrams per day. However, there is general agreement on all sides that this amount is too low. Many nutritionists believe that we need about 200 milligrams per day, and still others find amounts up to 1,000 milligrams daily very helpful and nontoxic.