Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

What deficiency is known to cause bleeding gums and is a collagen disorder?

1. Vitamin D deficiency

2. Vitamin C deficiency

3. Folate deficiency

4. Vitamin K deficiency

The correct answer is: Vitamin C deficiency

Vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, is widely recognized for leading to symptoms such as bleeding gums and impaired wound healing. Vitamin C plays a critical role in the synthesis of collagen, an essential protein that provides structure and support to tissues, including the gums. When collagen production is disrupted due to a lack of vitamin C, the integrity of the connective tissues in the mouth is compromised, resulting in inflammation and bleeding of the gums. In contrast, while other vitamin deficiencies can lead to various health issues, they do not specifically cause a collagen disorder with the hallmark characteristic of bleeding gums in the same way that vitamin C deficiency does. Vitamin D is primarily involved in calcium metabolism and bone health, folate is crucial for DNA synthesis and cell division, and vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. None of these deficiencies are directly linked to collagen production or primarily manifest as bleeding gums like vitamin C deficiency does.