If you experience bleeding gums on occasion, it’s probably nothing serious to worry about. Sporadic, bleeding gums could be the result of something as simple as a small abrasion from food. If you maintain a healthy dental routine that includes routine brushing and flossing, but still have gums that bleed regularly, there may be a deeper reason for the problem.
Maintaining a balanced diet is vital to ensure that your body receives the vitamins and nutrients required for optimal performance. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, you may be surprised to learn that a vitamin deficiency may be the source of your problems—specifically vitamin C.
The Health Benefits of Vitamin C
Commonly referred to as ascorbic acid, vitamin C plays a key role in many different important bodily functions, such as:
- Promoting dental hygiene and healthy gums.
- Assisting in the formation of collagen.
- Allowing for more iron absorption through the body.
- Developing new bodily tissues.
- Repairing damaged tissue.
- Maintaining neurological capabilities like retention and memory.
- Promoting a balanced immune system.
- Preventing heart disease and promoting heart health.
The Scientific Link Between Vitamin C Deficiencies and Bleeding Gums
Scientists have discovered a link between regularly bleeding gums and low vitamin C levels in the body. Nutrition Reviews enlisted 1,100 participants from six different countries, as well as an additional 8,200 participants from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, to test the link between bleeding gums and low levels of vitamin C.
In February 2021 when the results of the study were published, the conclusion was clear: participants with low levels of the vital vitamin consistently experienced bleeding from the gums after gentle probing. Furthermore, bleeding was reduced in participants who increased their daily consumption of ascorbic acid.
Don’t Let a Vitamin C Deficiency Cost You Your Teeth
Have you ever heard of scurvy? Does it make you think of pirates? How about pirates without teeth?
Scurvy was a common disease experienced by pirates and sailors alike. Caused by an extreme vitamin C deficiency, it’s a deadly disease that leads to bleeding gums, tooth loss, and eventual death if left untreated. To help prevent scurvy during lengthy stints at sea, seamen would stock up on citrus fruits like grapefruits, oranges, and lemons.
Improve your health by increasing your vitamin c intake. If low vitamin C levels are causing your gums to bleed, there are many easy ways to increase your daily intake to the recommended level of 500 MG per day.
Take a vitamin C supplement daily to reach recommended levels quickly. Adding a multivitamin or vitamin C supplement to your breakfast each morning will put you at goal vitamin C levels in less than a minute—perfect for gummy fans.
Change up your diet to include foods that are high in vitamin C. Kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, strawberries, and lemons are all common ingredients rich in vitamin C.
Ask Your Dentist
Don’t let your bleeding gums become a regular occurrence.
Schedule an appointment to meet with the dentists at Exceptional Smiles to identify the cause of your dental distress. Our team is here to ensure you maintain ideal dental health. Request an appointment today!