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. However, according to Philippe Hujoel, a dentist and professor of oral health sciences with the UW School of Dentistry, if your gums are bleeding the first thing you think about shouldn’t be brushing and flossing more—even though this is what the American Dental Association recommends—it should be figuring out why your gums are bleeding, and a nutrient deficiency could be to blame.3 Low Vitamin C Levels Linked to Bleeding Gums The recommended daily vitamin C intake set by the …