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Did you know how important this Vitamin is for your Mouth?

Ascorbic Acid, or Vitamin C, is a vital nutrient in the healing process after tooth extraction or oral surgery. This essential nutrient and antioxidant helps to promote collagen synthesis, the main building block for gum and oral tissues damaged during surgery. Our body needs vitamin C to reform and rebuild many structures, including but not limited to blood vessels, cartilage, and gum tissue.

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After your surgery your body will be repairing and healing oral tissue. It is very beneficial to ensure you have the proper nutritional support before and afterwards.

Surgery is known to increase oxidative stress on the body, which is associated with a reduction in post operative plasma vitamin C. It is important to provide your body with ample nutrients in order to recover and heal faster with less complications.

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Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that helps protect cells from free radicals, molecules produced under exposure from radiation. Sources of radiation include the Sun, or imaging from dental X-Rays.

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Research has shown the benefits of post-operative vitamin C intake to include:

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  • Reduced Post-operative pain

  • Significant reduction in Opioid requirement 

  • Reduced risk of post-operative infection

  • Reduced inflammation at the surgical site, which can lead to quicker healing

​Post Surgical Protocol for Vitamin C Use

​ 1000 mg daily for 10 days after oral surgery 


It is important to follow proper procedure after an extraction or any form of oral surgery. Follow the guidelines provided by your oral health care provider. A general guideline can be found in our Patient Resources Section if you have questions or are looking for further support.


Remember, these FAQs provide general information and should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Always consult with your oral surgeon or healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations specific to your situation.


You can find Vitamin C in a well-balanced diet including foods such as:

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  • Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits

  • Certain types of cherries

  • Peppers, such as red and green peppers

  • Fresh parsley

  • Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts

  • White potatoes

  • Strawberries

  • Papaya

  • Guava

  • Cantaloupe

If you need supplemental Vitamin C you can find it in our store.


  1. Pisalsitsakul N, Pinnoi C, Sutanthavibul N, Kamolratanakul P. Taking 200 mg Vitamin C Three Times per Day Improved Extraction Socket Wound Healing Parameters: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Dent. 2022 Mar 10;2022:6437200. doi: 10.1155/2022/6437200. PMID: 35310461; PMCID: PMC8930268.

  2. Bechara N, Flood VM, Gunton JE. A Systematic Review on the Role of Vitamin C in Tissue Healing. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Aug 19;11(8):1605. doi: 10.3390/antiox11081605. PMID: 36009324; PMCID: PMC9405326.

  3. Yingcharoenthana S, Ampornaramveth R, Subbalekha K, Sinpitaksakul P, Kamolratanakul P. A split-mouth randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of local and systemic administration of vitamin C on extraction wound healing. J Oral Sci. 2021 Mar 31;63(2):198-200. doi: 10.2334/josnusd.20-0515. Epub 2021 Feb 17. PMID: 33597336.

  4. Abrahmsohn GM, Halberstein RA, Fregeolle S. Vitamin C and dental healing: testing and placebo effect. Gen Dent. 1993 Nov-Dec;41(6):523-7; quiz 529-30. PMID: 23087948.

  5. Hung KC, Lin YT, Chen KH, Wang LK, Chen JY, Chang YJ, Wu SC, Chiang MH, Sun CK. The Effect of Perioperative Vitamin C on Postoperative Analgesic Consumption: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Nutrients. 2020 Oct 12;12(10):3109. doi: 10.3390/nu12103109. PMID: 33053814; PMCID: PMC7600013.

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