Sodium Ascorbate: A Key to Dental Health and Bone Strength
Enhancing Gum Health and Supporting Bone Regeneration with Vitamin C
Sodium ascorbate, an alkaline form of vitamin C, is essential for maintaining and enhancing dental health and bone strength. Its benefits are particularly notable for those with gum issues or those seeking to improve bone regeneration. I first learned about the significance of sodium ascorbate for dental health during a visit to Dr. Shuch at the Center for Integrative Dentistry in Augusta, NJ. Dr. Shuch emphasizes the crucial role that sodium ascorbate plays in both dental care and bone health.
Vitamin C: A Powerful Antioxidant
Vitamin C is well-known for its antioxidant properties, which are essential for overall health. In dental care, it plays a crucial role in keeping gums healthy and strong. Sodium ascorbate, a specific form of vitamin C, is particularly beneficial for people with bleeding gums or gum pockets. It helps toughen the gums, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Recommended Dosage and Usage
For general health and to support gum and bone health, Dr. Shuch recommends a daily intake of 1,000 mg of sodium ascorbate. For those with specific gum issues, such as bleeding or gum pockets, an enhanced method of delivery can be even more effective.
Enhanced Gum Care with Sodium Ascorbate
Dr. Shuch advises using a Waterpik—a dental water flosser—filled with water enriched with sodium ascorbate. To prepare this, simply add ½ teaspoon of sodium ascorbate powder to the Waterpik’s reservoir. This creates a vitamin C-enriched solution that, when used daily, can significantly improve gum health. The benefits of this practice are substantial:
Reduction in Bleeding: Regular use of sodium ascorbate in a Waterpik can reduce gum bleeding, thanks to its antioxidant properties and ability to strengthen gum tissue.
Healing Gum Pockets: For those with gum pockets, this vitamin C-enriched water can help in healing and reducing the depth of these pockets, contributing to overall gum health.
Safe for Enamel: Unlike ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate is non-acidic, making it safe for daily use without the risk of thinning dental enamel.
After using the Waterpik be sure to fill the reservoir with water and let it run through the systems to flush out mechanism of the Waterpik to keep any build up from ruining the unit.
Bone Strengthening and Regeneration
Beyond its benefits for dental care, sodium ascorbate is also valuable for bone health. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which is a critical component of bone tissue. Regular intake of sodium ascorbate can support bone regeneration, especially in people dealing with bone loss or those looking to strengthen their bones. Its role in collagen synthesis helps maintain bone density and promotes the healing of fractures.
Add Sodium Ascorbate to Your Daily Dental Routine
Incorporating sodium ascorbate into your daily health routine offers multiple benefits for both dental care and bone strength. By following Dr. Shuch's recommendations, particularly the use of a Waterpik with sodium ascorbate, you can enhance gum health, reduce bleeding, and support bone regeneration, all while avoiding the potential risks associated with more acidic forms of vitamin C.
Resources
The Center for Integrative Dentistry
Dr. Shuch's Remarkable Edible Toothpaste