Which one of the following is the best nutrient to prevent bleeding of gums, loosening of teeth and poor wound healing?

The symptoms described—bleeding gums, loosening of teeth, and poor wound healing—are classic clinical manifestations of scurvy, which is caused by a severe deficiency of Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid [t1][t2]. Vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen, a structural protein required for the integrity of blood vessels, skin, and connective tissues like the periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place [t5]. Without sufficient ascorbic acid, collagen production is impaired, leading to fragile capillaries (causing gingival bleeding), weakened dental support (causing loose teeth), and delayed tissue repair (poor wound healing) [t2][t5][t7]. While zinc and Vitamin D also play roles in wound healing [t4], the specific combination of oral symptoms and systemic repair failure is uniquely characteristic of scurvy [t3][t9]. Other options like iodine are related to thyroid function [c3][t6], and folic acid is primarily linked to anemia and fetal development.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vitamin-c-deficiency
2. [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493187/
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 6: Control and Coordination > Do You Know? > p. 110