How Oral Health Can Affect Your Complexion

Your mouth is like a gateway to the rest of your body. When your oral health suffers, the rest of your body can suffer too, including your skin! In this post, we’ll explain how oral health can affect your complexion.

Toothpaste

You probably don’t think of toothpaste as something that could cause acne. However, toothpaste can indeed harm your complexion. The ingredients in toothpaste can irritate and dry out your skin, and even cause your skin to feel like it's burning. Additionally, bacteria from your mouth can dribble out of your mouth while you brush and can cause pimples on your chin. Always remember to brush your teeth before you wash your face. By washing your face after you have brushed your teeth, you can get all of the bacteria and toothpaste off of your skin.

Diet, Tooth Decay & Propionibacterium

Your oral hygiene and what you eat affect whether or not you have tooth decay and skin issues. Foods high in starch and sugar encourage oral bacterial growth and plaque accumulation, which lead to tooth decay, gum inflammation, and dental infections. If your mouth becomes infected, your levels of propionibacterium (a bacteria commonly found in the mouth and acne spots) increase. This higher level of propionibacterium causes skin inflammation and pimple formation. So next time you’re experiencing a breakout that seems out of the ordinary, consider evaluating your oral hygiene routine and your diet. Foods and beverages like potato chips, soda, and candy encourage bacterial growth, as does an inconsistent and subpar oral hygiene routine.

How to Have Cleaner Teeth & Clearer Skin

Practicing good oral health habits will do wonders for your dental health and your complexion:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes with a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Maintain a healthy diet that’s high in fruits and vegetables and low in starches and sugars.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Keep up with your dental checkups and cleanings at Summit Family Dentistry every six months.

Schedule Your Checkup!

We can check your mouth for untreated cavities or infection and suggest oral care tips to make sure that your oral health is in good standing. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

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