Oral Health and Skin Problems
Healthy Smile, Glowing Skin – The Oral Health Connection
Studies have also uncovered links between oral health and chronic diseases. For example, advanced gum disease can worsen diabetes, or increase the risk of stroke. Bi-annual dentist visits, brushing, and flossing can prevent the onset of periodontal disease.
Following a good dental hygiene routine has many obvious benefits. Your teeth will appear whiter and you will lower your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and other oral health conditions. There is also growing evidence that healthy teeth and gums lead to clear, smooth skin. In fact, there are direct links between oral health and the following skin conditions:
Oral Health and Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune-related condition that causes a scale-like rash to appear on the body. In people with psoriasis, skin cells renew at a faster than normal pace. While the average skin cell cycle takes 30 days, psoriasis may shorten this period to less than a week.
As a result, the skin is unable to shed older cells. Instead, skin cells build up and create dry, itchy patches. These patches can appear anywhere on the body, but many people develop rashes on their backs, hands, faces, or elbows.
Psoriasis is cyclical. People often oscillate between periods of flare-ups and remission. While there are many factors that contribute to an individual’s risk of psoriasis, researchers have noted a strong link between oral health and disease risk.
For example, psoriasis patches can develop inside and around the mouth. This is much more likely in individuals with poor oral health. Likewise, gum diseases can introduce bacteria into the body that can activate the immune response. This can lead to systemic inflammation and trigger a psoriasis episode.
On the other side, having psoriasis can exacerbate oral health problems. Psoriasis can make saliva more acidic. This can have a corrosive effect on enamel and weaken the teeth.
Individuals with a diagnosis or several risk factors for psoriasis should follow all recommended oral health routines. Further, they should also avoid consuming acidic beverages such as fruit juices and carbonated sodas.
Acne and Gum Disease
Whiteheads, blackheads, and cystic breakouts are all forms of acne. While acne appears on the skin, the condition is not related to facial hygiene. There are several biological mechanisms that trigger acne outbreaks.
Acne develops due to the overproduction of sebum, an oil naturally produced by the skin. Sebum production is regulated by hormones, such as progesterone and testosterone. These hormones tend to fluctuate due to natural processes, such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
When hormones are high, sebum production accelerates. This can cause the pores to become clogged with bacteria. Some of these bacteria can come from poor oral hygiene.
Many of the bacteria strains that enter the gums can also live on facial skin. Acne breakouts that are concentrated around the mouth and the chin are generally related to bacteria originating from the mouth. A thorough oral care routine can significantly reduce bacteria growth.
Good oral health can boost the effects of acne treatments like topical antibiotics, hormone-regulating supplements like MINDBODYSKIN for acne, or retinol.
Dermatitis and Oral Health
Dermatitis is a skin condition that can be caused by chronic or acute triggers. For example, eczema is a dermatological reaction to allergens such as animal fur or pollen. Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, develops due to exposure to an irritant, such as a harsh chemical.
Oral health can trigger dermatitis in several ways. Firstly, many tooth fillings contain metal alloys. People with sensitivity to any of these materials may develop dermatitis after a cavity filling. As dentists are aware that this is a possible side effect, metal allergies should be disclosed before any dental procedure.
Saliva ph is also essential for a functional immune system. Healthy saliva can capture allergen particles and prevent them from entering nasal passages and other areas of the body.
However, many conditions reduce saliva production or increase its acidity. For example, mouth-breathing and smoking can create a dry mouth. As a result, more allergens impact the immune system and trigger reactions like dermatitis.
Breakouts and Dental Hygiene
As noted earlier, the bacteria in the mouth can directly transfer to the face and cause breakouts. The bacteria strain Propionibacterium is present in both oral health problems and acne cysts.
This bacteria can spread to the face during teeth brushing. This is the common cause of breakouts along the chin. You can avoid this by completing your skincare routine after brushing your teeth.
In cases of severe gum disease or tooth decay, bacteria are able to hide, linger, and multiply in crevices under the gumline and between the teeth. It can then enter the bloodstream and infect other parts of the body, including the skin. Widespread propionibacterium infection can worsen acne outbreaks.
Only a dentist can manage the most severe oral health problems. If you are experiencing signs of tooth decay or periodontal disease, schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Extracting an infected tooth can reduce breakout frequency.
