Low Vitamin C Levels May Increase Risk of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums (gingival bleeding) can have a variety of causes including inadequate dental hygiene(e.g. flossing, brushing), gingivitis, chewing tobacco, or cuts/abrasions from foods. A new study suggests that bleeding gums may be triggered by low levels of vitamin C.

For their study, the researchers reviewed 15 clinical trials that included approximately 9,350 participants. The trials tracked plasma vitamin C levels and the amount of gum bleeding upon gentle probing. Some of the research looked at the effect of vitamin C supplementation on gum bleeding.

The researchers found that participants with lower levels of vitamin C d had a higher risk of bleeding gums. Increasing vitamin C levels through supplementation in participants with low vitamin C levels appeared to help improve bleeding gums in these individuals. 

The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Washington.It was published online ahead of print on December 27, 2020 in the journal Nutrition Reviews.