Our mouths are full of bacteria. Over 6 billion of them, from 700+ different species. Uncontrolled, this bacteria doesn’t just cause gum disease and tooth decay. It can also cause or worsen systemic diseases like cardiovascular disease, IBS, rheumatoid arthritis, and much more.
That’s because too much unhealthy bacteria in our systems leads to widespread inflammation, straining all your bodily functions. Organs work harder, and our immune systems become compromised. It can take weeks to get over something simple like the common cold, and more serious diseases can quickly take over.
Even at lower levels, the impact of oral bacteria can be seen across our bodies, especially on our skin. Many scientists believe that acne is just the visible result of inflammatory skin disease. When oral bacteria gets into the bloodstream, it causes inflammation that affects all the cells. On our skin, this creates acne breakouts.
How to fight acne through good oral health
Even if you eat a healthy, balanced diet and take good care of your skin, you could still suffer from acne breakouts. Why? Because of your oral health routine. The good news is, it’s never too late to improve your routine and take care of your oral health.
- Brush your teeth twice a day
You should be brushing for two minutes each time. That’s 30 seconds per quadrant (upper and lower left and right). Most electric toothbrushes include timers that alert users every thirty seconds for two minutes, making it easier than ever to know exactly how long you’re brushing for. Make sure to do all the surfaces of your teeth — inside, outside, and the biting surface.
- Floss your teeth daily
Your toothbrush can’t reach between your teeth, but bacteria can. To clean the last tooth surface, you need to floss daily. This helps to disrupt bacteria colonies and remove food particles that can help them grow.
- Use fluoride mouthwash
Fluoride helps to preserve your dental health. Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, which helps to kill even more bacteria. However they are also known carcinogens that increase the risk of oral cancer. Whatever mouthwash you choose, follow the directions and use it twice a day after brushing and flossing to remove bacteria and debris.
- Wash your face after brushing
If you’ve ever got a little toothpaste foam on your face while brushing, you might have experienced the side-effects on your skin. Toothpaste itself is drying, and the residue from brushing your teeth is full of all the bacteria you’re trying to remove. If it gets on your skin, it can immediately cause irritation and acne breakouts. Wash your face after brushing to remove this bacteria and prevent cross-contamination.
- Visit the dentist regularly
Everyone should visit their dentist at least twice a year. However healthy your mouth might feel, your dentist can tell if you’re missing a spot while brushing, or give you advice on how to improve your oral health routine.
- Consider replacing your fillings
Your old metal dental fillings could be causing your skin breakouts. Studies have shown a link between severe dermatitis and dental amalgam. As metal fillings corrode, they can trigger allergic reactions, even if you never had an allergy to them before. This can result in serious side-effects for your skin. If you experience dermatitis symptoms, or have older metal fillings in your mouth, speak to your dentist about the possibility of replacing them.
- Protect and nourish your skin
Healthy skin starts with giving your cells what they need to look their best. At Qyral, our products are individualized for each customer, based on their skin’s unique needs. No two formulations are the same! Qyral skincare products are tailor-made to treat the underlying causes of top skin complaints, including acne, dermatitis, discoloration, and dryness.
Good skin health starts with good dental health
While it might seem strange to start treating your skin by treating your mouth, all our bodily systems are related. It makes sense that bacteria that starts in one place can affect everywhere else. Especially when your mouth is the entryway to your digestive system and bloodstream. If you suffer from acne, dermatitis, or other common skin complaints, it might be time to reevaluate your oral health routine.