How Dental Health Affects Your Complexion

Your face is often the first thing that people notice about you. Everyone wants a clean, bright smile and complexion because they usually indicate good health. But did you know that your oral health can actually affect your complexion? It’s important to keep your mouth healthy and clean for clear skin. Read on to learn more!

Oral Bacteria vs. Skin

If not properly cleaned and washed away through daily at-home dental hygiene, your oral bacteria can quickly multiply and spread into your bloodstream. This can cause many potentially harmful health problems, including problems with our complexion.

It is believed that the bacteria linking oral health and acne is Propionibacterium. Propionibacterium is a gram-positive, anaerobic, rod-shaped genus of bacteria that can be found in both acne and various parts of the mouth. If Propionibacterium multiplies on your teeth and under the gumline, it can enter the bloodstream and negatively affect your skin. There have been several cases of patients with persistent acne that did not respond well to any medications until their dental issues were treated. Not everyone’s skin problems will be explained by poor oral health, but it is something to consider if you struggle with stubborn breakouts.

6 Ways to Protect Your Skin

One of the best ways to prevent Propionibacterium from negatively affecting the health of your skin is to maintain a superb oral care routine. Here are some dental tips to help prevent harmful bacteria in your mouth from entering your bloodstream:

1. Eat a well balanced diet. Try to avoid consuming too many foods and beverages that are high in acid and/or sugar.

2. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time using a fluoridated toothpaste.

3. Floss with traditional string floss or use a water flosser every day.

4. Drink plenty of water.

5. Say “no” to illicit drugs and tobacco.

6. Schedule regular cleaning and exams at Heritage Dental.

Come Visit Heritage Dental!

If you have been dealing with some persistent complexion problems lately, consider making a dental appointment before you make a dermatologist appointment. Contact our Heritage Dental team to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.