Salivary pH while dissolving vitamin C-containing tablets.
Vitamin C is packaged in numerous forms which allow protracted exposure of the teeth to ascorbic acid. The repeated use of chewable mega dose tablets of vitamin C as a mint can damage the teeth by dissolving the enamel. In the time it takes to dissolve a chewable vitamin C tablet, a salivary pH drop takes place; salivary calcium and phosphorus ion concentration drops, and enamel dissolution may begin. Although sodium ascorbate, a buffering agent, is present in many vitamin C products, it may be added in insufficient quantity to be effective. With no apparent therapeutic value from topical vitamin C, vitamin C-containing products should be swallowed.
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Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Dental Branch, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston 77030.
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D000287:Administration, Topical; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002182:Candy; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry*; D013607:Tablets
D013607:Tablets; D001205:Ascorbic Acid