Ugly Side Effect of Not Getting Enough Vitamin C, Dentist Says

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Bleeding gums are usually related to gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease characterized by inflammation and linked to poor oral hygiene. But a new study in Nutrition Reviews suggests that tackling the problem with brushing and flossing alone may not be enough. Instead, you may want to increase your intake of foods rich in vitamin C.

“Oral hygiene is important, but in the event of bleeding gums, it is also useful to understand why this can happen”, explains the lead author of the study, Philippe Hujoel, DDS, dentist and professor of oral health sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. “Since nutrition plays a major role in your health, and this includes your oral health, we looked at whether vitamin deficiency could be a factor.”

Along with another dentist and two other researchers, Hujoel performed a meta-analysis of clinical trials that included ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, with particular emphasis on how low levels could affect patients. bleeding. The data comes from 15 trials in six countries, representing more than 1,000 mostly healthy participants. (Related: 100 most unhealthy foods on the planet).

They found that vitamin C supplementation reduced gum bleeding compared to people who did not receive the extra dose of C. They concluded that low levels of the vitamin can cause what’s called microvascular fragility – basically tiny blood vessels like the ones in your gums weaken and this makes them more likely to bleed even with minor trauma. like brushing and flossing.

This is a big deal because it doesn’t just affect your mouth. Blood vessels like these can be found all over your body, so when they weaken it can cause other problems, especially with the heart, brain, and kidneys. The bleeding gums might just be the wake-up call to a bigger problem, says Hujoel.

“We’ve known for some time that gum bleeding could be associated with a lack of vitamin C, but over time, that insight has been marginalized by attention to treating the symptom rather than the cause,” notes t -he. This means that the focus is more on brushing and flossing rather than vitamin C in your diet.

To make up for this deficiency, there are many supplement options that can give you ascorbic acid on its own. But a better first step would be to incorporate more whole food options since they also contain fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals, according to dietitian Cara Schrager, RDN, clinical programs manager at Joslin Diabetes Center. from Boston.

She says it’s easy to get enough vitamin C with choices like bell peppers, citrus fruits, kiwi, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, strawberries and even potatoes and kale.

The good news, Hujoel adds, is that once you’ve returned to a proper C level, you’re likely to see a significant improvement in your oral health.

To learn more, be sure to read This Unexpected Vitamin May Help Alleviate Symptoms of COVID.

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