Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums

The health of the teeth and gums are SO often neglected in the health care industry, often even in the natural health world.  The implications of the oral health can have far reaching repercussions on the overall health of the body.  Every tooth in the body has organs/glands that it reflexes to.  In other words, an issue with a specific tooth, can cause issues with the corresponding organ/gland and the opposite is also true (a challenge with a given organ or gland can cause trouble with that tooth).

Never wait…if you are having a dental concern get it checked out before it becomes worse!

One common issue that happens to so many people that it’s often considered “normal” is receding or bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing.

The condition of the gums indicates the eventual condition of the teeth.  You can think of your gums like the soil that a plant grows in…your teeth are the plant.  For healthy teeth, you need healthy gums.

Here are a few common causes of poor gum health:

Gum tissue is made in large part of collagen.  One of the main micronutrients that makes up collagen is vitamin C (Camu Camu powder, Plant Vitamin C caps).  Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant in the body which means that it helps reduce inflammation (think red swollen sore gums).  When this nutrient is low, bleeding gums is a common red flag.1  The RDA for vitamin C is 75-90 mg/day for adults.  This is easy to get.  One cup of strawberries or 1 cup of steamed broccoli meets that daily dose.  I would propose however from clinical experience that this is a very low intake for most people.  It would be better to aim for at least double that from food under “normal” circumstances.  More will be needed during heavy exercise, times of stress, illness, and certain other circumstances.

Vitamin D (D3, D3+K2) is both a vitamin and a hormone.  Vitamin D plays an important role in mucous membranes of the body, including the gums.  It is commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin” due to the fact that your body creates it on its own when exposed to adequate sunshine.  This important vitamin is commonly low in much of the population for 2 main reasons.  First, because we just don’t get much sunshine.  In a culture that has propagated the lie that the sun causes skin cancer, for many, what little sunshine they do get, they are covered in clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses so there’s very little skin exposed.  The other reason that can play a role is that vitamin D is fat soluble which means it is best absorbed with fat (as opposed to water)…the problem there is that means it has to be processed in the liver and gall bladder which are commonly gummed up (congested) by years of too much fat, sugar and processed foods.  Vitamin D has been found to be significantly lower in those with periodontal disease and gum issues.2

Zinc is another common vitamin deficiency that has implications for gum health.  Zinc reduces bacteria and plaque build up in the mouth and has been found to prevent gingivitis (gum disease).3

In 2015, there was a study completed that compared two groups of people with gingivitis.  One group received scaling and root planning (conventional treatment) and the other received scaling and root planning in addition to supplementing with CoQ10.  The group who took the CoQ10 showed reduced inflammation and a reduction in pocket size (around the teeth).4  

On a completely different note, brushing too hard and/or using a brush with hard bristles can be a major player in this issue.  It is best to get the softest bristle brush you can find and use it lightly.

So, what can you do if you are already having problems with your gums?

Nutritional upgrades– your best health will be optimally supported by a whole food vegan diet with high nutrient density meals such as green smoothies and lots of produce.  Here’s are some resources to point you in the right direction:

Green Smoothies: One of the Best Things You Can Do Each Day for Your Health!

A Whole Food Vegan Diet for Health and Vitality

Whole Food Vegan Diet-Get Healthy Now

Oral Hygiene– I recommend using a soft bristle brush and if you do prefer an electric toothbrush, don’t press hard into the gums (just let the brush gently go along the gum line).  I also recommend a natural, fluoride free toothpaste.  I personally use RiseWell mouthwash and RiseWell toothpaste.  Floss EVERY DAY (gently)…this is a workout to strengthen your gums.

There are a few supplements I have found to make a profound difference when it comes to supporting sensitive or bleeding gum tissue.

  1. Vitamin C- Camu Camu Powder or Plant Vitamin C caps 
  2. Vitamin D- D3 drops with Limonene or D3+K2
  3. Zinc- Liquid Zinc Ultra
  4. CoQ10- CoQ10 capsules

Also, remember to throw out any poor-quality dental products (junk toothpaste, hard bristle brushes, etc) and replace them with only the best such as the RiseWell mouthwash, RiseWell toothpaste and soft bristle brushes.

This is a big topic with far reaching implications.  The information above is intended only as a general guide to get you started.  If your issues persist, you may need more specified support.  Feel free to call the clinic to see about scheduling a consultation.

Remember that your gums are the soil that your teeth grow in.  If you ignore gum issues, you end up with dental issues which tend to be more painful and costly.  Don’t wait to take care of your gums.

References: 

1. Murererehe J, Uwitonze AM, Nikuze P, Patel J, Razzaque MS. Beneficial Effects of Vitamin C in Maintaining Optimal Oral Health. Front Nutr. 2022. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.805809

2. Machado V, Lobo S, Proença L, Mendes JJ, Botelho J. Vitamin D and periodontitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12082177

3. Uwitonze AM, Ojeh N, Murererehe J, Atfi A, Razzaque MS. Zinc adequacy is essential for the maintenance of optimal oral health. Nutrients. 2020. doi:10.3390/nu12040949

4. Manthena S, Ramoji Rao MV, Penubolu LP, Putcha M, Sri Harsha AVN. Effectiveness of coq10 oral supplements as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in improving periodontal health. J Clin Diagnostic Res. 2015. doi:10.7860/JCDR/2015/13486.6291

Nothing said or implied in this post is intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any disease.  It does not take the place of a qualified health care practitioner and is intended for educational purposes only.

Dr. LeAnn Fritz, PhD

Dr. LeAnn is a practitioner, coach, speaker, consultant, and the founder of New Hope Health. She is also the author of The Quantum Weight Loss Blueprint, and Get Healthy Now. She is laser-focused on practical, evidence-based practices to empower her clients to get real results that last. She sets the bar when it comes to radiant health that will change every area of your life forevermore.

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