Pale Gums Used To Indicate Scurvy

In the past, pale gums used to indicate scurvy, a progressive disease born from a lack of vitamin C in the diet of the sufferer. Most commonly it was associated with those who would be onboard ships for long periods of time and thus unable to enjoy the ingestion of vitamin C containing fruits and veggies. In today’s modern society this disease is considered to be all but eradicated but in times past the presentation with pale gums, spots mottling the skin, and also the opening and oozing of wounds has been considered a most significant ailment; true, the cure was a simple as ingesting vitamin C but at times this was hard to come by and thus many died from this vitamin deficiency.

Although today the supermarket shelves are filled with vitamin and mineral supplements for any occasion, the fact that many consumers are still suffering from deficiencies in their diets is a true statement and thee deficiencies are known to have an adverse impact on the overall health of the body but especially the health of the oral cavity. What makes this an insidious problem is the fact that many vitamin deficiencies currently experienced are actually brought on by lifestyle choices.

Consider for example the lack of calcium that is evident in many an American’s diet. Having foregone the ingestion of milk and dairy products in favor of designer coffees and sodas, calcium and vitamin D are sorely lacking and unless proper supplementation takes place, the consumer may experience the adverse effects of their choices not only in declining bone health but also in a declining dental health. Teeth are most commonly affected by insufficient calcium and you will note soft spots and also pale gums, although at times they may appear to be receding somewhat.

Pale gums may also pinpoint an iron deficiency and while iron is the kind of supplement that needs to be taken with care to prevent a toxic overdose, a lack of iron in the diet is directly linked to anemia and thus the paling of the gum tissues. Although it is not immediately life threatening, it will lead to a gradual lack of energy and only proper supplementation can counteract the malaise.

Although it would be simplistic to ascertain that the simple supplementation with vitamins will keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy and strong, the facts bear out that a lack of vitamins will lead to disease. Thus, a supplementation of vitamins is indicated for the overall health of the gum tissues, teeth, and even mucous membranes.

Consult with your dental health care professional about the kinds of vitamins you should be on the lookout for and also seek some advice with respect to the brand of vitamin supplement you might consider choosing. Since there is a lot of conflicting information to be found online with respect to vitamin supplements, it behooves you to get an expert’s opinion rather than relying on affiliate marketers to make their marketing pitches your gospel truth