Can Increasing Your Vitamin C Intake Help with Bleeding Gums?

A recent study has found that too little vitamin C could contribute towards bleeding gums and that merely increasing your brushing and flossing routine may not be enough to reverse this problem. Frequently, bleeding gums are a sign of periodontal disease, a bacterial infection that causes inflammation, destroying the gums and bone around teeth, eventually causing tooth loss. Traditionally it is treated by cleaning teeth professionally, combined with an increased oral care routine at home to help get rid of the bacteria so gums can fight the disease.

During the study, people with low levels of vitamin C were more likely to have problems where their eyes bleed, an issue known as retinal haemorrhaging, and gums that bled when gently probed. When vitamin C intake was increased, it helped reverse the eye problems and stopped gums from bleeding.

While vitamin C deficiency may be one reason for bleeding gums, please seek professional dental care if you have noticed your gums bleed when you brush and floss. We can assess your gum health and determine if you have gum disease, and discuss the possibility of a vitamin C deficiency. Most people who have a healthy diet will receive plenty of vitamin C, but those following a low carbohydrate or paleo diet may not get enough of this essential vitamin.