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Signs and Symptoms of Scurvy

Posted on 6/7/2021 by Brier Creek

Between the 15th and 18th centuries, thrice as many sailors died of scurvy than the soldiers that were killed in the American Civil War of 1861 to 1865.

Today, the prevalence of scurvy in the United States has reduced to 7.1%. And while cases of scurvy are less common in the developed world, in underdeveloped countries like India, its prevalence is still as high as 73.8%.

Scurvy is caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C, medically known as ascorbic acid. The lack of fresh fruits and vegetables that naturally contain vitamin C leads to scurvy.

Early Warning Signs of Scurvy

The early warning signs of scurvy include:

•	Weakness
•	Exhaustion
•	Irritability
•	Poor appetite
•	Slight fever
•	Pain in legs

If scurvy is left untreated in the initial stages, after one or two months, you may notice the following symptoms of scurvy:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the advanced stage of periodontitis. It is a gum disease that causes swelling, redness, bleeding, or infections in your gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to tooth decay. The deficiency of vitamin C in our diet causes a film of bacteria to settle on our gum line. These bacteria produce acid that is harmful to our teeth and gums. Over time, the accumulation of these bacteria can infect our gums and cause gingivitis.

Anemia

Vitamin C is needed by our body to absorb iron from the foods that we eat. The lack of vitamin C hampers this process of iron absorption, thereby making our body deficient in iron. The deficiency of iron in our body is known as anemia. When we have anemia, we feel tired, lethargic, irritable and our skin and eyes look pale.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay or loose teeth is another symptom of scurvy. The deficiency of vitamin C causes our gums and teeth to become unhealthy. The acid-producing bacteria that settle on the gum lines and our teeth slowly erode the enamel and cause tooth decay. When our gums become weak, they start to recede, and this makes the teeth loose and sensitive.

Bruises on the Skin

Severe deficiency of Vitamin C will cause black, blue, or brown bruises to appear on the skin. You may notice these bruises on your legs, feet, arms, or shins. The bruising is usually near the site of hair follicles. Because of the deficiency of vitamin C, our body produces less collagen. Our skin and hair are mostly made of the protein called collagen. The lack of collagen makes our blood vessels weak. As the skin becomes thin and unhealthy, the rupturing of these weak blood vessels becomes clearly visible on our skin in the form of black and blue bruises.

Scurvy can be cured by simply consuming a diet rich in Vitamin C. Call us today at 984-477-0177 to find the best diet for treating scurvy.

TMJ

Locations & Hours

Brier Creek

9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204
Raleigh, NC 27617-4879

Phone: 984-477-0177
Fax: 919-249-1375

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

North Raleigh

1911 Falls Valley Drive, Ste 107
Raleigh, NC 27615

Phone: 984-206-4242
Fax: 919-249-2145

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 7:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Knightdale

1101 Great Falls Ct, Ste 102
Knightdale, NC 27545

Phone: 984-733-0330
Fax: 919-415-1849

Office Hours
Mon: 8:30am - 6:30pm
Tues: 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thur: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Fri: 8:00am - 2:00pm

Stansell Dentistry Associates, 9400 Brier Creek Parkway, Ste 204, Raleigh, NC 27617-4879 • 984-477-0177 • stanselldentistry.com • 10/1/2024 • Related Phrases: dentist Raleigh NC •