Bleeding Gums May Indicate Vitamin C Deficiency

Treating bleeding gums with oral hygiene may ignore the root cause

Getting adequate amounts of vitamin C can go a long way toward keeping gums healthy.Stockbusters/Shutterstock

If your gums bleed easily when you brush your teeth, you may need more vitamin C, according to a study by University of Washington (UW) researchers.1

Bleeding gums can be a warning sign of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, that results from infection and inflammation in your gums and the bone supporting your teeth.2 Your gums may bleed even during the early stages of the disease, known as gingivitis.