Why does scurvy cause bleeding gums

Anaemia is common, and may be due to decreased iron absorption, bleeding, haemolysis , and other dietary deficiencies. X-ray of childhood scurvy Frankel sign green arrow , Trummerfeld zone red arrow. Scurvy may occur even in children with no underlying risk factors: a case report.

J Med Case Rep. Smokers also require a higher Vitamin C intake due to increased metabolic turnover. A well-balanced diet including fresh fruit and vegetables provides sufficient Vitamin C for most people. Children: The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends children receive mg 3 times daily for at least 1 week, followed by mg daily until symptoms have resolved. Vitamin C can also be given intravenously, intramuscularly, or per rectum.

Transfusion is sometimes required for severe anaemia, especially if acute related to haemorrhage. Most symptoms of scurvy resolve rapidly within 24—72 hours of starting Vitamin C supplements. Bone changes may take several weeks to resolve. Full recovery is usual within 1—3 months. Loss of teeth and sequelae from haemorrhage are the only permanent disabilities. A GP may also recommend taking vitamin C supplements also called ascorbic acid until you feel better. Most people treated for scurvy feel better within 48 hours and make a full recovery within 2 weeks.

The GP may refer you to a specialist for treatment, support or advice. This depends on what's causing your scurvy. The best sources of vitamin C are fruit and vegetables. Vitamin C should not be used for the prophylaxis or cure of periodontal disease in otherwise healthy, well-nourished individuals.

A patient with bleeding gingivae warrants referral to a periodontist, oral medicine specialist, or appropriately qualified dentist for examination and treatment. Researchers examined 15 published studies involving 1, healthy people as well as data on 8, people from the CDC's Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. They found that low vitamin C levels in the bloodstream were associated with an increased risk for gum bleeding with gentle probing.

The researchers also observed that increasing vitamin C intake may help resolve the problem. Increased bleeding in general is one of the symptoms of scurvy, a disease caused by severe vitamin C deficiency.

Scurvy, which often affected 18th-century sailors without access to fruits and vegetables, is rare today. Still, this new study sheds light on a potential cause of gum bleeding related to vitamin C levels that are only slightly low — not enough to cause scurvy.

Recommended daily intake of vitamin C for adult men is 90 milligrams mg. You should see your dentist if you have recurring bleeding gums when you brush or floss. But the experts also suggest increasing your vitamin C for good measure, by eating more foods like kale, oranges, peppers, and kiwis, or from a daily mg to mg vitamin C supplement.