Can a Vitamin C Deficiency Cause Bleeding Gums?

Research has shown that a Vitamin C deficiency can cause bleeding gums, which is an early warning sign of gum disease. When we increase our intake of Vitamin C, these problems are reversed. It is therefore crucial that we consider our Vitamin C intake, as this can have several benefits for our oral health.

Having bleeding gums presents both short and long-term problems. Aside from being unpleasant, bleeding gums are also usually a sign of gingivitis, which is an early stage of periodontal disease – better known as gum disease.

While having bleeding gums doesn’t necessarily mean that a person has gum disease, it is often an early warning sign, with gum swelling typically the other main symptom to look out for.

Gum disease is actually very common, with research showing that approximately 90% of the world’s population has some form of periodontal disease [1].

If left untreated, bleeding gums can result in gums pulling away from the teeth, which will eventually result in tooth loss and bone problems.

In the past, most dental professionals have treated bleeding gums by advising patients to simply brush and floss more regularly. But while this might help to an extent, it doesn’t treat the underlying causes.

But recent research shows that a main cause of bleeding gums is a Vitamin C deficiency. This interesting research suggests that by increasing our Vitamin C intake, we have the potential to improve our oral health.

What is the research?

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Washington has found a link between a Vitamin C deficiency and bleeding gums [2].

To do this, the researchers analysed the results of 15 clinical trials across 6 different countries that had revolved around nutrition, diet and general health. These 15 trials involved 1,140 “mostly healthy” participants. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 8,210 US citizens was also used as part of the research.

The results showed that individuals with low Vitamin C levels in their bloodstream were far more likely to suffer from bleeding gums. Most importantly, the researchers also found that increasing daily intake of Vitamin C can reverse the issue of bleeding gums.

This research also backed up previous work that had been done in the subject area. This included a study that reviewed 14 previous studies that had analysed Vitamin C intake and the subsequent effect on the gums. Like the above study, this research found that those with a lower Vitamin C intake had a higher chance of having periodontal disease [3].

In fact, a diet with a regular deficiency in Vitamin C can lead to oral side effects as soon as within 60-90 days [4].

What you need to know about Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the many vitamins that the body requires to function at an optimum level. It is also known as ascorbic acid.

Vitamin C serves many functions in our body, including helping to protect cells and keep them healthy. It also strengthens bones, and is crucial in aiding the process of wound healing [5].

As established above, a lack of Vitamin C can cause bleeding gums, though other signs exist too. These include slow-healing wounds and swollen joints [6].

If the body doesn’t get enough Vitamin C on a consistent and regular basis, the life-threatening condition Scurvy can eventually appear.

Should I consume more food with Vitamin C?

Based on the results of this study, we would certainly suggest that there are benefits to consuming more sources of Vitamin C.

Foods that are high in Vitamin C include citrus fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit), broccoli, red bell peppers, blackcurrant and strawberries.

Vitamin C supplements are widely available, and can be a good way to ensure we get the recommended amount of the vitamin. This is a particularly useful intervention for those who have diets low in Vitamin C.

But as we always say here at Savanna Dental, while it is important to eat a balanced diet, it is crucial that we maintain strong oral health. This includes brushing our teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and making healthy lifestyle decisions like avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol intake.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

The most important thing is to ensure that you attend the dentist for regular check-ups. The earlier that problems are detected, the easier treatment will be.

When problems are detected, we are able to offer our patents a range of services at our dental clinic in Calgary. Whether it is purely an examination, a filling or more complex procedures like a root canal or dentures, we are able to provide the treatment that our patients need.

We offer our patients a relaxed and comfortable environment at our Calgary-based dental clinic, and are able to provide tailored care to each of our patients.

Here at Savanna Dental, we adhere to the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, which allows us to provide affordable care to our patients across our wide range of services.

Summary

Consuming more Vitamin C can be useful for many reasons. It certainly appears to help our oral health, with the research consistently showing that an increased intake of Vitamin C can stop bleeding gums.

This is useful advice, though it is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. An important part of this is to regularly visit the dentist. Our dental clinic in Calgary is an excellent place to do this.

We recommend that you take a look at our website https://savannadental.ca, where you can read more about us and what we offer to our patients.

• [1] Pihlstrom, B. L., Michalowicz, B. S., & Johnson, N. W. (2005). Periodontal diseases. Lancet. 366 (9499), p1809-1820.
• [2] Hujoel, P. P., Kato, T., Hujoel, I. A., & Hujoel, M. L. A. (2021). Bleeding tendency and ascorbic acid requirements: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Nutrition Reviews. nuaa115
• [3] Tada, A., & Miura, H. (2019). The Relationship between Vitamin C and Periodontal Diseases: A Systematic Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 16 (14), p2472-2483.
• [4] Levine, M., Katz, A., & Padavaity, S. J. (2005). Vitamin C. In: Shils, M. E., Shike. M., Ross, A. C., Caballero, B., & Cousins, R. J. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p507-524.
• [5]. NHS. (2020). Vitamin C. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-c/. Last accessed: 29 May 2021.
• [6] Galimberti, F., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2016). Skin findings associated with nutritional deficiencies. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 83 (10), p731-739.