Recent reports have noted an increase in the presentations of scurvy. The cost-of-living crisis and rise in bariatric surgeries are thought to be contributing to this risk. Scurvy can present orally, most commonly as generalised severe erythematous gingivitis which is painful and bleeds heavily upon touch or sometimes spontaneously.

It is important as oral health practitioners we manage our patients holistically and refer to a general practitioner if there are suspected systemic issues.

From the AHHA Healthcare in Brief 25/10/24:

"A recent case of scurvy, a once-rare disease historically linked to sailors' lack of fresh fruits and vegetables on long sea voyages, has been identified in Western Australia.

Some medical professionals are describing it as a ‘re-emerging diagnosis’ due to the current rise in living costs and the increasing number of bariatric surgeries."

Read more: 

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-23/scurvy-case-detected-western-australia/104503318

https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/23/perth-man-treated-for-scurvy-as-cost-of-living-crisis-brings-back-disease-of-the-past