According to Dr. Anu Gaikwad, Consultant Diabetes Physician, Physician, Professor and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine, Hospital and Research Center of Dr. DY Patil Medical College, Pimpri, Pune (India), vitamin C is one of the essential nutrients that help maintain healthy body, especially for gums and connective tissue. Vitamin C deficiency can cause many serious health problems, including bleeding gums. Here is a detailed article on the link between vitamin C deficiency and gum bleeding.
The role of vitamin C in the body
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, plays an important role in the synthesis of collagen, a major component that makes up connective tissue, skin, blood vessels and gums. Collagen helps these tissues maintain strength and elasticity. When the body lacks vitamin C, collagen production is disrupted, leading to weakness of connective tissue, especially in gums.
Tooth bleeding due to vitamin C deficiency
Gums bleeding is a common symptom of vitamin C deficiency. The reason is that when vitamin C is deficient, the gums will become inflamed and vulnerable, causing small blood vessels under the gums to break, causing bleeding. Blood bleeding can become serious if vitamin C deficiency is prolonged and not treated promptly.
Scurvy and related symptoms
When vitamin C deficiency is severe and persistent, the body can develop scurvy (ostomy), a disease with many unpleasant symptoms. Scurvy not only causes gum bleeding but is also accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, reduced wound healing ability, and bleeding in other areas of the body. If left untreated, scurvy can lead to more serious health problems.
Sources of vitamin C
To prevent and treat vitamin C deficiency, it is very important to add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. Food sources rich in vitamin C include:
Fruits: oranges, tangerines, strawberries, kiwis, grapefruits.
Green: Kale, broccoli, spinach, red bell peppers.
Supplements: If your diet lacks vitamin C, you can take vitamin C supplements as directed by your doctor.
