What do acne and gum disease have in common? If your answer is that both are painful, frustrating health conditions, you’re only half right: scientists have discovered that there may actually be a link between poor oral health and acne. At Stono Dental Care, we want our patients to understand that excellent oral hygiene not only keeps their teeth healthy and strong, but can also improve other aspects of their body health.
Bacteria & Your Skin
In several recent cases, doctors and researchers realized that the same bacteria that cause acne may also be present in the mouth. Several patients who had an infected or abscessed tooth experienced clearer skin once the tooth was removed. So, if you’ve been dealing with acne that just won’t go away no matter what you try, ask Dr. Game, your local Johns Island dentist, if there’s any chance he thinks it may be related to your oral health.
Your Toothpaste May Be a Culprit
If you brush your teeth after washing your face, you may be doing your skin a disservice. Residual toothpaste that dribbles onto your chin may cause your skin to dry out or become irritated, and some of the active ingredients in toothpaste can cause breakouts. To avoid this, be sure to thoroughly wash your face after brushing your teeth.
Oral Health & Overall Health
Acne issues aside, your oral health is closely related to your overall health. Be sure you’re practicing good preventive care by brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, brushing your tongue daily, flossing every day, and visiting our office every six months for exams and cleanings. By doing these things, you will protect yourself not only from tooth decay and gum disease, but also against conditions like heart disease and pneumonia that can be linked to poor oral health.
We Can Help You Have Healthy Teeth & Skin!
Healthy teeth contribute to healthy skin and a healthy body. To ask our team any questions about the link between acne and your oral health, or to schedule your next cleaning and checkup at our office, give us a call today.
