It might seem odd, but there is actually a link between your oral health and how clear your skin is. When your skin is breaking out you may first think it has something to do with your stress level, your diet, or your environment, but it could potentially be dental-related! Read on to learn why.
Toothpaste
Ever thought that your toothpaste could be the culprit to your acne woes? It may be surprising, but toothpaste residue could be causing you to break out around your mouth. It’s important to wash your face after brushing your teeth because there are some ingredients in toothpaste that could cause your skin to feel like it's burning, dry, and irritated. Your mouth is also naturally full of bacteria and when you brush your teeth some of your spit could dribble out of your mouth and contribute to your acne issues. By washing your face after brushing your teeth, you defend your face against any irritation from your toothpaste's ingredients and your mouth's bacteria. Though some people use toothpaste to try to get rid of pimples, know that this can actually further inflame your skin so it’s best to leave the toothpaste in your mouth and not on your skin.
Bacteria From Your Mouth
As mentioned earlier, your mouth is filled with bacteria. If you are practicing good oral hygiene, the bacteria will be kept at bay. However, if you are struggling with dental decay and gum disease, you are at increased risk of your oral bacteria harming your skin. For example, Propionibacterium is a bacteria that’s found in the throat and mouth and in acne. When there’s an infection in your mouth, the amount of Propionibacterium in your body increases and can cause your skin to become inflamed. If you’re having oral health issues and your skin is breaking out, come visit us at North River Dental Care to get the dental treatment you need for healthier teeth, gums, and skin.
Fillings
Dentists have been using silver fillings for over a century due to the relatively inexpensive cost as compared to materials like tooth-colored composites and gold. Silver fillings are also durable and long lasting. However, if your body reacts poorly to the silver, your skin could break out in acne spots. If you believe you are experiencing problems with your metal fillings, talk to our team about replacing your metal fillings with tooth-colored composite fillings.
Poor Overall Health
If you are not taking superb care of your overall health, your teeth and skin are going to suffer. Unhealthy habits include neglecting your daily oral hygiene, consuming an unbalanced diet, using tobacco and/or illicit drugs, abusing alcohol, and not drinking enough water. Be sure to brush your teeth using a fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for two minutes each time, floss every day with either traditional string floss or a water flosser, rinse with an alcohol-free antibacterial/antiplaque mouthwash, and visit our office for biannual dental checkups and cleanings.
If you have additional questions about how to properly take care of your oral health or need to schedule your next cleaning, contact our North River Dental Care team today!
