Scurvy effects in your mouth - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency can lead to a disease called Scurvy which for adults can lead to bleeding gums and tooth loss, but it is devastating for babies and young children who can suffer complications including stunted bone growth.

Scurvy was the scourge of the Royal Navy for decades, and Captain Cook is widely credited with conquering it. Most people think of scurvy as a disease of the past, when sailors had to spend months at sea without access to fresh fruit and vegetables. While scurvy may be uncommon in modern society, it does still exist when vitamin C is not sufficient in the diet.

I have found many young children to have scurvy. The reason is frequently their dislike of eating fresh vegetables and fruits or not enough of them in their diet. But the condition is not limited to children only, adults who do not have enough fresh fruits and vegetables can develop it too. Since vitamin C is constantly used in our daily metabolism, its absence is soon felt. One of it’s first signs is bleeding and peeling gums, which brings patients to me. As part of my comprehensive examination, I check the gums, where the signs of Scurvy become apparent. Since the bleeding gums cause much distress to my patients, when I tell them that it is Scurvy there is always a sigh of relief.

If you are suffering from bleeding gums or would like to discuss the ways to keep your gums healthy, please call Tooronga Family Dentistry, Phone number 98227006.