Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): clinical implications for oral health--a literature review.

This article reviews the chemistry, functions, and toxicity of vitamin C, as well as its food sources, recommended daily allowance, and laboratory biochemical findings, to help clinicians understand and recognize its systemic and oral deficiency manifestations. An understanding of these topics will help the general dentist, periodontist, and oral surgeon appropriately prescribe vitamin C for their patients.