What can be done for spongy bleeding gums in a diabetic?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My parents are diabetic and living in a village where non-treated water is consumed daily for everything other than drinking which is rich in minerals, algal blooms, dirt, etc. Suggest me a toothpaste which is better considering this kind of locality. Their gums are bleeding and experiencing spongy gums.

Answered by Dr. Suneetha B S

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.om.

Frankly speaking, toothpaste is just an external application, and it does not make any difference based on the brand. Toothpaste does not have any therapeutic effects as portrayed in advertisements. When you say they have spongy gums that bleed easily, it might be an indication of vitamin C deficiency. If they do not have any allergies or any other health conditions or medications, they can take a course of Vitamin C 100 mg tablets once a day for one month and see if it helps. If not, please consult a doctor in their locality, who can suggest appropriate treatment after examination. If they have any other health conditions or allergies or if they are taking any other medications, they need to talk to their doctor before starting Vitamin C therapy. In the meantime, I suggest they use soft toothbrushes.

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Answered by Dr. Suneetha B S

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana

August 13, 2018

July 16, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!