We all know vitamin C can help stave off illness and keep our bodies strong. That’s why we drink OJ, take vitamin C supplements, etc. Vitamin C helps your body maintain and repair bones, teeth, and cartilage, and it also helps wounds heal.

Additionally, it plays a part in a healthy mouth. In fact, a lack of this important vitamin can show in the gums—namely, bleeding gums or gingivitis. Your diet does have a direct effect on your oral hygiene. You want to do everything you can to make your gums and teeth strong.

If you have bleeding gums and your dentist rules out poor oral hygiene, you might want to take a look at your diet. Are you eating enough foods rich in vitamin C? You don’t have to look very far. Eating oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, and red peppers is a great way to grab vitamin C. And, it’s best to get this vitamin from actual fruits and vegetables. Juices don’t cut it. Not only are they high in sugar, but most juices are acidic. This can promote erosion of the tooth enamel. To avoid that, try to use a straw to minimize the juice’s contact with your teeth.

It’s important to note that the body doesn’t store vitamin C for very long. So, you’ll need to get some form of it into your system every day. Multivitamins or vitamin C supplements can accomplish that, especially if you’re on a diet that restricts you from eating certain fruits and vegetables. The Institute of Medicine recommends 90 milligrams per day for men older than 18 years and 75 milligrams per day for women older than 18 years.