Generally, oral hygiene doesn’t just stop at the gums and teeth. Just as research shows a relationship between oral health and systemic health, it has also revealed a link between oral health and skin.

The mouth can be seen as the gateway to the overall state of health in an individual. Hence, oral health can affect an individual’s health as well as the skin. Poor oral health can result in various health and skin conditions in an individual. If you’re dealing with stubborn acne, skin blemishes, or pimples, there’s a chance that an oral bacteria could be the cause. So don’t be surprised when your dermatologist refers you to a dentist to check it out.

What is the relationship between dental care and skincare? 

Bacteria can build up in the mouth and enter the bloodstream, thereby causing infection, inflammation, and diseases. Facial breakouts, irritation, and rashes are not left out in this case; even if you have a great skincare routine you may still experience skin issues if the state of your oral health is poor.  According to research, facial skin irritation and rashes can be linked to gum disease or abscessed teeth. An individual with gum disease or abscessed teeth usually has loads of harmful bacteria inside the mouth. Research further reveals that these harmful bacteria in the mouth can find their way into your skin, which irritates and causes facial rashes, breakouts, and even psoriasis due to inflammation.

Taking proper care of your teeth can improve your health, skin and boost your confidence. Severe acne can be physically and psychologically debilitating, particularly in young adults and adolescents. Oftentimes, acne can be caused by stress and a lack of confidence surrounding your smile can result in stress. For this reason, you can get aligners to help you straighten your teeth.

Byte or smile direct club aligners can help you achieve that.  With Byte, you take impressions at home. For Smile Direct Club, there are two options you can choose from to get an impression of your teeth. You either decide to take the impression at home by ordering the impression kit or get the impression from a SmileShop.  What’s more, Byte uses smile science to make your teeth aligners. For both companies, you get BPA-free aligners made with a transparent polymer film. You can read more on the Smile Direct Club and Byte comparison article to help you make informed decisions. 

Can oral health affect acne? Can Cavities Cause Acne?

Research has revealed that oral health and acne are closely related. Poor oral health can cause acne on the face. Acne may occur on any part of the face, such as the upper lips, upper cheek, below the nose, and the chin. If you experience recurring acne in those parts of the face, you may be advised to speak with a doctor as it could be a sign of poor oral health. According to research, acne is one of the symptoms of gum or tooth decay. This is possible because the bacteria accumulated in the mouth due to gum disease or tooth decay can get into the bloodstream and spread the disease.

How to prevent acne with dental hygiene 

Practicing good dental and oral hygiene can help to avoid acne and improve skin conditions. Here are some ways to take care of your teeth to avoid and prevent acne: 

• Regular brushing: Dentists advise individuals to brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste regularly (at least twice a day). Brush both teeth and tongue to get rid of bacteria that cause infections and bad breath. Regular brushing of the teeth can help to improve your oral health. Additionally, tongues can accumulate bacteria, and you may not be aware. Endeavor to brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth to help reduce bacteria buildup on your tongue. 
• Washing away toothpaste residue: Recurring acne on the facial skin could mean that the mouth has an underlying infection. You can prevent acne from forming on your skin by washing your face after brushing your teeth. This will help wipe out any bacteria that may have gotten to the skin surface while brushing. Additionally, research suggests that some chemicals found in toothpaste are linked to acne formation on the facial skin.
• Flossing: Brushing may not remove all food particles from the mouth. Flossing helps to remove those hidden food particles. 
• Replace fillings: The corrosion of artificial metal restorative fixtures releases metal ions into the body, which can cause inflammation of the skin and other skin conditions. The longer the metals on your mouth, the higher the risk of developing allergic reactions and other skin conditions. Replacing metal restorative dental fixtures with biocompatible fixtures which are nontoxic to the human body can reduce the chances of developing acne.
• Limit tobacco: Tobacco can reduce oral health by damaging the teeth and causing periodontal disease. Limiting tobacco intake can improve oral health. 
• Limit coffee and soda drinks: These drinks, although nutritious, can be harmful when taken excessively. Excess coffee can decolorize the teeth, while soda can cause dental conditions such as cavities. 
• Focus on a healthy diet and limit sugary foods: Sugary foods can cause damage to the teeth when residue is left in the mouth. It’s advisable to clean the mouth after taking sugary foods to preserve the teeth. 
• Visit a dentist regularly: An individual can visit a dentist every 4-6 months to ensure their oral health remains in check. Mouth infections can cause bacteria to build up, enter the bloodstream and cause dermatitis. Dentists can help to prevent acne by detecting infections early and treating them. Regular dental visits can also help to increase an individual’s oral health.   

Take Proper Care of your Teeth for Overall Skin Health

Taking proper care of your teeth can improve your health, skin and boost your confidence. You can also get aligners to help you straighten your teeth. Byte or smile direct club aligners can help you achieve that.  With Byte, you take impressions at home. For Smile Direct Club, there are two options you can choose from to get an impression of your teeth. You either decide to take the impression at home by ordering the impression kit or get the impression from a SmileShop.  What’s more, Byte uses smile science to make your teeth aligners. For both companies, you get BPA-free aligners made with a transparent polymer film. You can read more on the Smile Direct Club and Byte comparison article to help you make informed decisions. 

If you struggle with acne, you can visit your dermatologist and dentist to help determine if your acne is linked to any oral health issues. Your dentist can detect dental conditions which can cause acne, such as tooth abscess, cavities, and gum disease. Leaving these dental conditions would affect the skin and lead to several other health conditions such as lung and heart diseases. Your dermatologist will be able to help you with a customized plan to help you achieve clear skin. Plus, our providers work with our medical aesthetic team to ensure that all of your skincare goals will be met.

Contact Affiliated Dermatology in Phoenix, AZ today

Book an appointment and manage your acne with a dermatologist at one of our Affiliated Dermatology offices across the Valley. We have acne specialists in Ahwatukee, Anthem, Deer Valley, Gilbert, Old Town, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe, AZ.