March 18, 2021
Bleeding gums may indicate your diet needs more vitamin
New research from the University of Washington School of Dentistry suggests that bleeding gums may be indicative of vitamin C deficiency.
The study, led by Philippe Hujoel, professor of oral health sciences in the UW School of Dentistry, demonstrates that bleeding of the gums is associated with low vitamin C levels in the bloodstream. Subsequent research found that increasing the daily intake of vitamin C in those with low vitamin C plasma levels helped reserve these bleeding issues.
These findings suggest that gum bleeding may provide insight into serious health consequences, including trouble with one’s microvascular system. Hujoel’s research builds upon previous UW-based research that identified gum bleeding as a biological marker for vitamin C levels.