Every day, we have to brush our teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and before bed. However, sometimes we may brush our teeth and there is blood mixed in. We may wonder if we brushed too hard, but sometimes we brush lightly and still experience bleeding. There can be many causes of bleeding gums, such as gum inflammation, gum disease, receding gums, improper brushing technique, too tight teeth braces, or it may be a symptom of other health problems. Receding gums is one such disease that everyone should be aware of. Today, we will introduce this disease to everyone.
Bleeding gums or scurvy is a disease caused by a lack of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis in our body. The first symptoms of this disease appear after at least 4 weeks of severe vitamin C deficiency. However, as mentioned above, bleeding gums may have other causes such as:
· The presence of dental plaque, which can cause gum inflammation, swelling and bleeding.
· Use of medications that inhibit blood clotting, such as warfarin, aspirin, or heparin.
· Abnormal bleeding tendency due to a lack of platelets or proteins that help blood clotting, such as hemophilia.
· Lack of certain nutrients, especially vitamin C, which can lead to scurvy.
· Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
How to treat bleeding gums and scurvy?
Although bleeding gums and scurvy may seem frightening, it is actually not difficult to treat. People with this condition can be treated by ensuring an adequate intake of vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin K, through eating vegetables and fruits such as oranges, orange juice, and citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, sweet peppers, broccoli, or by taking vitamin supplements. Several food sources of vitamin K such as kale, lettuce, Mustard green, spinach, watercress, soybeans, olive oil, or vitamin supplements recommended by a physician or pharmacist.
The appropriate dosage of vitamin C for treating bleeding gums and scurvy in adults is around 800-1000 milligrams per day, taken for at least one week or until symptoms improve. For children, the recommended dosage is between 150-300 milligrams per day for a duration of one month. After receiving vitamin C, symptoms such as bleeding gums or other symptoms usually improve within 1 day, while other symptoms generally improve within 2 days. Most patients recover within 2 weeks.
Preventing scurvy is as simple as supplementing with vitamin C
Scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C, can be prevented by regularly consuming an adequate amount of vitamin C in accordance with the body's daily needs. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is as follows:
• Ages 1-10: 30 milligrams/day
• Ages 11-14: 35 milligrams/day
• Ages 15 and up: 40 milligrams/day
Do we need to take vitamin C supplements?
Some people may wonder if it's necessary to take vitamin C supplements or other forms of dietary supplements. If we consume vitamin C in an amount that is sufficient for our daily needs, eating 400 grams of fruits and vegetables can provide enough vitamin C. However, we should not consume too much vitamin C as it can lead to reduced absorption and potential side effects, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea. It's important not to exceed 2,000 milligrams of vitamin C per day to avoid such side effects.
The daily amount of vitamin C that one should consume may vary depending on other factors, such as gender, physical activity level, or special conditions. The appropriate amount should also take into account the appropriate volume. If one is uncertain about how much to consume, consulting a doctor is recommended.
Preventing scurvy is not difficult if we regularly consume fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin C. In addition to citrus fruits, other fruits and vegetables, such as strawberries, kiwis, and red peppers, also contain a substantial amount of vitamin C. Eating a balanced diet that contains a variety of foods can help ensure that we obtain adequate amounts of vitamin C. For Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers interested in taking care of their health, they can read other health-related articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.
Reference:
· Department of Nutrition, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health
· Vejthani Hospital
http://bit.ly/3Z72o9C
· Chulalongkornhospital
http://bit.ly/3Z1CfJj
· Pobpad
http://bit.ly/3JyrJnq
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