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Can Gums Grow Back? What Science Says About Nutrition & Gum Health

Dr. Eleni Rowe

November 26, 2025

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You’ve noticed your teeth looking longer. Your gums are pulling away. And you’re probably asking the question that brought you here: can gums grow back?

The short answer? No—and that might disappoint you.

But here’s the thing: there’s a critical piece of the puzzle that’s missing from nearly every article about gum recession. It’s not about gum grafts or surgical procedures (though those have their place). It’s about the nutritional factors that affect gum tissue integrity—factors that most dentists never discuss.

In this guide, you’ll learn why gums can’t regenerate on their own, discover the vitamin deficiencies that contribute to gum problems, understand your clinical treatment options, and get an evidence-based protocol for supporting gum health through nutrition.

Whether you’re dealing with early recession or considering treatment, you deserve the complete picture—not just the standard clinical advice.

Let’s break it down.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements or making dental health changes.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Quick Summary

No, gum tissue can’t naturally regenerate once it’s receded. Gums lack the regenerative capacity of tissues like skin or bone. However, addressing vitamin deficiencies—especially vitamin C, D, and CoQ10—can support gum tissue integrity, optimize healing after treatment, and help prevent further recession. Clinical treatments like gum grafts can restore lost tissue surgically.

Why Gum Tissue Doesn’t Regenerate Naturally

Let’s start with the honest answer: once your gums have receded, that tissue is gone permanently.

But understanding why this happens is crucial to making sense of what you can do about it.

Your gums—technically called gingiva—are specialized soft tissue made of epithelial cells and connective tissue. Unlike your skin, which can regenerate after a cut or scrape, research shows that gum tissue doesn’t have the same regenerative properties.

When skin heals, new cells rapidly multiply and fill in the damaged area. Gum tissue? It doesn’t have this same ability to regrow once it’s pulled away from the tooth—similar to how enamel can’t regenerate once it’s worn away.

The key difference lies in blood supply and tissue structure.

Your skin has an extensive network of blood vessels that deliver the nutrients and growth factors needed for regeneration. Gum tissue has a more limited blood supply. Once the attachment between the gum and tooth is broken, it typically doesn’t reestablish itself naturally.

Think of it this way: gum tissue can heal (like after a dental cleaning or minor irritation), but it can’t regenerate lost structure. Healing means the tissue repairs itself in its current position. Regeneration would mean growing back tissue that’s been completely lost—and that’s not biologically possible with current gum tissue.

Scientists are researching regenerative techniques involving special membranes and growth factors. But these treatments are still experimental and not yet available to the public.

For now, once gum recession has occurred, the tissue won’t return on its own.

This doesn’t mean you’re helpless, though. Understanding this biological limitation helps you focus your efforts on what actually works: preventing further recession, supporting the tissue you have, and considering clinical treatments if needed.

The Nutritional Connection Most Dentists Don’t Discuss

Here’s where things get interesting—and where this article differs from everything else you’ll read on this topic.

While your dentist is absolutely right that gums can’t regenerate naturally, there’s a critical factor that rarely gets discussed in the dental chair: nutritional deficiencies directly affect gum tissue integrity.

The health of your gum tissue isn’t just about brushing and flossing. It’s also about whether your body has the building blocks it needs to maintain strong, healthy tissue.

The Vitamin C Connection: Why Scurvy Matters Today

Let’s talk about vitamin C first, because it offers the clearest example of nutrition’s impact on gum health.

You’ve probably heard of scurvy—the disease that plagued sailors on long voyages. One of scurvy’s most devastating symptoms? Severe gum deterioration, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss.

Why? Because research has proven that vitamin C is absolutely essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen is the structural protein that gives your gum tissue its strength and ability to attach firmly to your teeth.

Without adequate vitamin C, your body can’t produce or maintain healthy collagen. Gum tissue begins to break down.

Now, you might think: “But I’m not a 17th-century sailor—I’m not getting scurvy.” True. But subclinical vitamin C deficiency (levels that aren’t low enough to cause scurvy but aren’t optimal either) can still affect gum tissue health.

A landmark study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology demonstrated that people with lower vitamin C levels tend to have worse periodontal health, even when other factors are controlled. Additional research has found a direct correlation between dietary vitamin C intake and reduced risk of periodontal disease.

CoQ10: The Nutrient Dental Practices Don’t Mention

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another nutrient with fascinating research behind it.

This antioxidant compound plays a crucial role in cellular energy production. It appears in lower concentrations in diseased gum tissue compared to healthy tissue.

Several studies have examined CoQ10 supplementation for gum health. Clinical research on topical CoQ10 application found that participants with gum disease who used CoQ10 showed improvements in gum tissue health markers. Further studies on CoQ10 as an antioxidant confirmed its beneficial role in periodontal health.

Will CoQ10 make receded gums grow back? No. But it may support the tissue you have and potentially improve treatment outcomes.

Vitamin D: The Immune Connection

Vitamin D does more than support bone health—it’s also critical for immune function.

Since gum disease involves bacterial infection and immune response, adequate vitamin D levels matter for gum health. A lot.

Research has found that vitamin D receptors exist in gum tissue, and studies show a clear association between vitamin D levels and gingival inflammation.

Clinical studies have also demonstrated that vitamin D status significantly impacts periodontal surgery outcomes, with patients who have adequate vitamin D levels showing better healing responses.

Learn more about vitamin D’s role in tissue health and how optimization supports overall oral wellness.

Calcium and Tissue Structure

Calcium is famous for its role in teeth and bones, but it also plays a part in soft tissue health.

Calcium is involved in cellular signaling and tissue maintenance. Combined with adequate vitamin D (which helps calcium absorption) and vitamin K2 (which directs calcium to the right places), this mineral supports overall oral tissue integrity.

Understanding calcium’s role in tissue structure helps you appreciate why this mineral matters for more than just bones and teeth.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients Matter Too

Chronic inflammation damages gum tissue. Period.

Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts) have well-documented anti-inflammatory effects. Research on omega-3 supplementation suggests that people with higher omega-3 intake tend to have healthier gums and less periodontal disease progression.

The Bottom Line:

Vitamins and nutrients can’t make receded gums grow back. But they play a crucial role in maintaining the tissue you have, supporting healing after treatment, and potentially slowing recession.

This is the piece of the puzzle that’s missing from standard dental advice.

What Causes Gum Recession? (Risk Factors You Can Control)

Understanding what causes gums to recede in the first place helps you prevent further damage.

Some factors you can control. Others you can’t.

Periodontal Disease: The Primary Culprit

Gum disease is the leading cause of gum recession.

When plaque bacteria accumulate along the gum line, they trigger an inflammatory response. Over time, this inflammation destroys the connective tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Gums pull away.

Periodontal disease progresses in stages. It starts as gingivitis (early gum disease with red, swollen, bleeding gums), which is reversible with proper care. If left untreated, it advances to periodontitis, where the damage becomes permanent. This includes gum recession, bone loss, and potential tooth loss.

Brushing Too Hard: Well-Intentioned Damage

It seems counterintuitive, but aggressive brushing can actually harm your gums.

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or scrubbing with too much force wears away gum tissue over time. Your gums are soft tissue—they need gentle care, not vigorous scrubbing.

The fix? Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and hold it with just your fingertips (not your whole hand). Use gentle circular motions rather than aggressive back-and-forth sawing.

You’re not scrubbing tile. You’re removing biofilm from delicate tissue.

Genetic Predisposition

Some people simply inherit thinner, more fragile gum tissue.

If your parents had gum recession, you’re at higher risk. While you can’t change your genetics, you can be extra vigilant about the factors you can control.

Teeth Grinding and Clenching (Bruxism)

If you grind or clench your teeth (often during sleep), you’re putting excessive force on your teeth and the surrounding tissues.

This pressure can cause gum recession over time. If you suspect bruxism, talk to your dentist about a nightguard.

Tobacco Use

Smoking and tobacco use significantly increase gum recession risk.

Tobacco reduces blood flow to gum tissue, impairs healing, weakens immune function, and promotes plaque buildup. If you’re serious about protecting your gums, quitting tobacco is non-negotiable.

Hormonal Changes

Fluctuations in hormones (during pregnancy, menopause, or puberty) can make gum tissue more susceptible to inflammation and recession.

While you can’t prevent hormonal changes, being extra attentive to oral hygiene during these times helps minimize impact.

The Often-Overlooked Factor: Nutritional Deficiency

Here’s what most articles won’t mention: chronic nutritional deficiencies can contribute to gum recession.

As we discussed earlier, inadequate vitamin C weakens collagen structure. Vitamin D deficiency impairs immune response. Overall poor nutrition compromises tissue health.

While nutritional deficiency alone rarely causes severe recession in developed countries (we’re not seeing widespread scurvy), it can be a contributing factor that makes tissue more vulnerable to other causes like gum disease or mechanical damage.

Clinical Treatment Options for Receding Gums

If you already have a significant gum recession, several clinical treatments can help.

These procedures can’t make your gums “grow back naturally,” but they can surgically restore lost tissue and prevent further damage.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

For early to moderate gum disease, your dentist or periodontist may recommend scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep cleaning that goes beneath the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing can’t reach.

Scaling removes bacteria from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the tooth root, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate and helping gum tissue reattach.

This procedure often requires local anesthesia and may take multiple visits.

While scaling and root planing won’t restore lost gum tissue, it can stop the progression of gum disease and prevent further recession.

Nutritional note: Supporting your immune function and reducing inflammation through proper nutrition can help optimize healing after this procedure, as research on nutrition and wound healing confirms.

Gum Graft Surgery

For more severe recession, gum grafting is often the most effective treatment.

This surgical procedure takes tissue from another part of your mouth (usually the roof of your mouth) or uses donor tissue to cover exposed tooth roots. A comprehensive systematic review of gum grafting procedures shows generally good success rates.

There are several types of gum grafts:

Connective Tissue Graft: The most common type. A small flap is cut in the roof of your mouth, and connective tissue underneath is removed and stitched to the receded area.

Free Gingival Graft: Tissue is taken directly from the roof of the mouth (not from underneath a flap) and attached to the area needing more gum tissue. This is often used when you need thicker gum tissue.

Pedicle Graft: If you have enough gum tissue near the receded area, your periodontist can use tissue from adjacent gums rather than the roof of your mouth.

Success rates for gum grafts are generally good. Most patients experience improved gum coverage and reduced sensitivity. Recovery typically takes a few weeks.

Nutritional optimization: Research on nutrition and wound healing combined with studies on collagen synthesis suggests that adequate vitamin C and overall nutritional status support better wound healing. While more research is needed specifically for gum graft outcomes, ensuring you’re nutritionally prepared before surgery makes good biological sense.

Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST)

This is a newer, minimally invasive option for treating gum recession.

Instead of removing tissue from the roof of your mouth, the periodontist makes a small hole in the existing gum tissue and uses special instruments to loosen and reposition it over the exposed roots.

PST typically involves less discomfort and faster recovery than traditional grafting, though it’s not suitable for all cases. Ask your periodontist if you’re a candidate.

Laser Treatment (LANAP)

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) uses laser technology to treat gum disease.

While it doesn’t restore lost gum tissue, it can effectively remove bacteria and diseased tissue while promoting healing and reattachment. LANAP is less invasive than traditional gum surgery and often involves less discomfort and faster recovery.

When Treatment Is Necessary

Not all gum recession requires immediate surgical intervention.

Your dentist or periodontist will assess:

• How much tissue has been lost
• Whether tooth roots are exposed
• If you’re experiencing sensitivity or pain
• Whether bone loss has occurred
• The underlying cause and whether it’s been addressed

For mild recession, improving oral hygiene and addressing risk factors may be sufficient. For moderate to severe recession, treatment is usually recommended to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Natural Support Protocol: Optimizing Gum Health Through Nutrition

Here’s where this guide provides something you won’t find in any other article on this topic: an evidence-based nutritional protocol for supporting gum tissue integrity.

Let’s be clear about what this protocol can and cannot do:

• It will NOT make receded gums grow back
• It is NOT a replacement for professional dental care
• It CAN support the health of your existing gum tissue
• It CAN potentially optimize healing if you undergo treatment
• It CAN help prevent further recession by supporting tissue health

This protocol is designed to work alongside professional dental care, not instead of it.

Step 1: Ensure Adequate Vitamin C

Why: Research has established that vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis—the structural protein in gum tissue.

How much: The RDA is 75mg for women, 90mg for men, but some research suggests higher amounts may support optimal tissue health. Aim for 100-200mg daily through diet and supplementation if needed.

Food sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers (especially red), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kiwi

Supplementation: If you choose to supplement, consider buffered vitamin C or ascorbic acid. Discuss with your healthcare provider, especially if you have kidney issues.

Step 2: Optimize Vitamin D Levels

Why: Studies demonstrate that vitamin D supports immune function and has anti-inflammatory effects. Research confirms that receptors for vitamin D exist in gum tissue.

How much: Have your levels tested (25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test). Many experts suggest maintaining levels between 40-60 ng/mL for optimal health.

Food sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), fortified dairy or plant milks, egg yolks, mushrooms exposed to UV light

Supplementation: Many people need vitamin D3 supplements, especially in winter. Work with your healthcare provider to determine appropriate dosage based on your levels.

Step 3: Consider CoQ10

Why: Research suggests CoQ10 supports gum tissue health and studies show it may improve outcomes in people with gum disease.

How much: Studies have used 100-200mg daily. CoQ10 is fat-soluble, so take it with a meal containing fat for better absorption.

Food sources: Organ meats, fatty fish, spinach, broccoli (though amounts are small—supplementation may be needed for therapeutic doses)

Note: CoQ10 can interact with blood-thinning medications. Consult your healthcare provider before supplementing.

Step 4: Support Tissue Structure with Calcium and Vitamin K2

Why: Calcium supports tissue health, and vitamin K2 helps direct calcium to appropriate tissues.

How much: 1,000-1,200mg calcium daily (from food primarily); 100-200mcg vitamin K2 daily

Food sources:

• Calcium: Dairy products, leafy greens, sardines with bones, fortified plant milks
• Vitamin K2: Natto, fermented foods, grass-fed dairy, egg yolks

Step 5: Embrace Anti-Inflammatory Eating

Why: Chronic inflammation damages gum tissue. Clinical research confirms that an anti-inflammatory diet supports better gum health.

How: Focus on:

• Omega-3 rich foods (fatty fish, flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds)
• Colorful vegetables and fruits (antioxidants)
• Whole grains rather than refined carbs
• Limited added sugars (sugar feeds harmful bacteria)
• Green tea (contains catechins with anti-inflammatory properties)

Reduce: Processed foods, excessive sugar, refined carbohydrates, trans fats

Step 6: Stay Hydrated

Why: Adequate hydration supports saliva production, which protects gum tissue and helps wash away bacteria.

How much: Generally aim for about half your body weight in ounces daily (e.g., 150 lbs = 75 oz water)

Supplement Stack

Morning: D3 (2000-4000 IU) + K2 (100-200 mcg)
Lunch: Calcium citrate (500mg)
Dinner: Calcium citrate (500mg)
Before bed: Magnesium glycinate (400mg)

Timeline and Expectations

Be realistic about timelines. Supporting gum health through nutrition is a long-term strategy, not a quick fix.

You might notice:

• Weeks 1-4: Better overall oral health, potentially less bleeding during brushing
• Months 2-3: Improved tissue health if deficiencies are corrected
• Long-term: Better prevention of further recession, optimized healing if treatment is needed

Important Reminders:

• This protocol supports gum health; it doesn’t replace dental care
• If you have gum disease, you still need professional treatment
• Work with both your dentist and healthcare provider
• Individual needs vary—these are general guidelines

Implementing Your Protocol: Evidence-Based Product Recommendations

Based on the nutritional science we’ve covered throughout this guide, you now understand that while gums can’t regenerate naturally, supporting your body’s nutritional needs plays a crucial role in maintaining gum tissue integrity and optimizing healing.

If you’re looking to implement the nutritional strategies we discussed alongside your dental care routine, here are some products worth considering.

For a comprehensive overview of how these nutrients work together for oral health, check out our detailed guide on the best vitamins for teeth and gums, which expands on the research we’ve touched on here.

For more options tailored to sensitive teeth caused by gum recession, our guide to the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth reviews additional formulations that can help while you implement the broader strategies we’ve covered.

Remember: Products Support, They Don’t Replace

It’s worth emphasizing again: these products work best as part of a comprehensive approach that includes proper oral hygiene, regular dental care, and addressing any underlying gum disease or nutritional deficiencies with your healthcare providers.

No supplement or toothpaste can reverse gum recession that’s already occurred. But the right products can support tissue health, manage symptoms, and help you implement the evidence-based strategies we’ve discussed throughout this guide.

Think of them as tools in your toolbox—helpful when used correctly alongside professional dental care and the nutritional optimization framework we’ve outlined.

If you’re dealing with moderate to severe gum recession, these products should complement, not replace, the clinical treatments your dentist or periodontist may recommend. The most effective approach combines professional care, good oral hygiene habits, nutritional support, and appropriate products that address your specific needs.

Prevention Strategies: How to Stop Gum Recession From Worsening

Prevention is always easier than treatment.

If you have an early recession or want to protect healthy gums, these strategies help minimize risk.

Perfect Your Brushing Technique

Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush with pressure sensors.

Hold the brush gently (fingertips, not full grip) and use small circular motions at a 45-degree angle to the gum line. Brush for two minutes, twice daily, but never scrub aggressively.

Don’t Skip Flossing

Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.

Use gentle up-and-down motions—don’t snap the floss against your gums. If traditional floss is difficult, try floss picks or water flossers.

If your gums bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, or feel tender, don’t ignore it. Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible, but only if you address it promptly. See your dentist for evaluation and treatment.

Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings

Professional cleanings every 6 months (or more frequently if recommended) remove tartar buildup that contributes to gum disease.

Your hygienist can also catch early signs of recession before it becomes severe.

Address Teeth Grinding

If you grind or clench your teeth, talk to your dentist about a custom nightguard.

This protects both your teeth and gums from excessive force.

Quit Tobacco

There’s no gentle way to say this: if you use tobacco and want healthy gums, you need to quit. Period.

Tobacco use dramatically increases gum recession risk and compromises healing. Talk to your healthcare provider about cessation programs—it’s one of the most important things you can do for your oral health.

Maintain Optimal Nutritional Status

As we’ve discussed, ensure you’re getting adequate vitamin C, vitamin D, and other nutrients that support gum tissue health. Multiple studies have confirmed the connection between nutritional status and periodontal health.

This is a preventive strategy that most dental advice overlooks.

If you’re concerned about gum recession, the best toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help manage discomfort while you address the underlying issue. Look for options that protect exposed tooth surfaces without harsh abrasives.

For a comprehensive approach to oral health that includes both professional care and natural support methods, explore our guide on strengthening teeth naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pro Tip

Here’s something most people don’t realize: vitamin C requirements increase significantly during periods of stress, illness, or healing. If you’re undergoing gum treatment, dealing with infection, or experiencing chronic stress, your body needs more vitamin C than the basic RDA suggests—not just for immune function, but specifically for collagen synthesis and tissue repair. Research on wound healing and studies on collagen regulation confirm this increased demand. Consider checking your vitamin D levels too, as deficiency is remarkably common and affects immune function.

Final Thoughts: The Complete Picture of Gum Health

Let’s bring everything together with honesty and empowerment.

The truth is this: once gums have receded, the tissue won’t grow back naturally. No vitamin, supplement, or natural remedy can regenerate lost gum tissue. This is a biological limitation we can’t overcome without surgical intervention.

But that’s not the whole story.

What you can do—and what most dental advice completely overlooks—is support the health of existing gum tissue through proper nutrition, address underlying vitamin deficiencies that compromise tissue integrity, and optimize your body’s healing capacity if treatment is needed.

The standard dental advice isn’t wrong. It’s incomplete.

Yes, you need to brush gently, floss daily, see your dentist regularly, and consider professional treatment if recession is significant. But you also need to ensure your body has the nutritional building blocks required for healthy tissue.

Vitamin C for collagen synthesis. Vitamin D for immune function. CoQ10 for cellular energy in gum tissue. Anti-inflammatory nutrients to reduce tissue damage. These aren’t miracle cures—they’re basic biological requirements that support tissue health.

If you’re dealing with gum recession, here’s your action plan:

1. See your dentist or periodontist for a professional evaluation and treatment recommendations
2. Address modifiable risk factors (gentle brushing, quit tobacco, manage stress)
3. Optimize your nutrition using the protocol we’ve outlined
4. Consider clinical treatment if recommended for moderate to severe recession
5. Maintain long-term prevention strategies to protect the gums you have

For more information on supporting your oral health naturally, explore our comprehensive guide to the best vitamins for teeth and gums, or learn specifically about vitamin C and gum health.

Remember: you can’t turn back the clock on gum recession, but you can support your gum tissue health moving forward and optimize outcomes if treatment is needed. That’s not just hope—it’s science.

References

We’ve reviewed the following peer-reviewed studies and research sources for this article:

Vitamin C and Periodontal Health:

Chapple IL, Milward MR, Dietrich T. The prevalence of inflammatory periodontitis is negatively associated with serum vitamin C levels. J Clin Periodontol. 2007;34(7):567-73. View study

CoQ10 for Gum Disease:

Hanioka T, Tanaka M, Ojima M, Takaya K, Matsumori Y, Shizukuishi S. Effect of topical application of coenzyme Q10 on adult periodontitis. Mol Aspects Med. 1994;15 Suppl:s241-8. View study

Prakash S, Sunitha J, Hans M. Role of coenzyme Q10 as an antioxidant and bioenergizer in periodontal diseases. Indian J Pharmacol. 2010 Dec;42(6):334-7. View study

Vitamin D and Gum Health:

Bashutski JD, Eber RM, Kinney JS, et al. The impact of vitamin D status on periodontal surgery outcomes. J Dent Res. 2011 Aug;90(8):1007-12. View study

Dietrich T, Nunn M, Dawson-Hughes B, Bischoff-Ferrari HA. Association between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and gingival inflammation. Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Sep;82(3):575-80. View study

Gum Tissue Regeneration Biology:

Sculean A, Nikolidakis D, Nikou G, Ivanovic A, Chapple IL, Stavropoulos A. Biomaterials for promoting periodontal regeneration in human intrabony defects: a systematic review. Periodontol 2000. 2015 Jun;68(1):182-216. View study

Omega-3 and Periodontal Disease:

Elkhouli AM. The efficacy of host response modulation therapy (omega-3 plus low-dose aspirin) as an adjunctive treatment of chronic periodontitis (clinical and biochemical study). J Periodontal Res. 2011 Apr;46(2):261-8. View study

Gum Grafting Success Rates:

Chambrone L, Tatakis DN. Periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures: a systematic review from the AAP Regeneration Workshop. J Periodontol. 2015 Feb;86(2 Suppl):S8-51. View study

Nutrition and Wound Healing:

Stechmiller JK. Understanding the role of nutrition and wound healing. Nutr Clin Pract. 2010 Feb;25(1):61-8. View study

Collagen Synthesis and Vitamin C:

Murad S, Grove D, Lindberg KA, Reynolds G, Sivarajah A, Pinnell SR. Regulation of collagen synthesis by ascorbic acid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1981 May;78(5):2879-82. View study

Dietary Vitamin C and Periodontal Risk:Nishida M, Grossi SG, Dunford RG, Ho AW, Trevisan M, Genco RJ. Dietary vitamin C and the risk for periodontal disease. J Periodontol. 2000 Aug;71(8):1215-23. View study