Less is More
Where would we be without our vitamin C? Everyone agrees it’s a crucial nutrient that provides many health benefits. And in dentistry, it plays an important role in the healing process, especially in soft tissue such as gums.
But vitamin C, being acidic, can actually do damage if consumed in chewable form. Too many chews and tooth enamel literally dissolves. A single chewable tablet won’t hurt, but if you need higher levels of vitamin C, switch to another form or consider eating more fresh fruits and vegetables! With a balanced diet, most people can get all that they need, naturally.
It’s also important to understand that vitamin C is water-soluble (as opposed to fat-soluble). This means the body cannot store any extra that is consumed; instead, it is excreted and (literally) flushed away. The average daily recommended amount of vitamin C differs depending on age, gender, life stage, and other factors. See the table below for more information.
How much Vitamin C do I Need?
| Life Stage | Recommended Amount* |
| Birth to 6 months | 40 mg |
| Infants 7-12 months | 50 mg |
| Children 1-3 years | 15 mg |
| Children 4-8 years | 25 mg |
| Children 9-13 years | 45 mg |
| Teens 14-18 years (boys) | 75 mg |
| Teens 14-18 years (girls) | 65 mg |
| Adults (men) | 90 mg |
| Adults (women) | 75 mg |
| Pregnant teens | 80 mg |
| Pregnant women | 85 mg |
| Breastfeeding teens | 115 mg |
| Breastfeeding women | 120 mg |
*Individuals who smoke should add 35 mg to the above values.
