When it comes to health, not all people are the same and some are more sensitive than others. Those who manage skin conditions on a daily basis know this very well. What they might not know is that there is a strong link between managing oral health and managing a variety of skin conditions.
The teeth & skin connection
The connections between our oral health and systemic health are increasingly evident. Emerging research links the maintenance of healthy teeth for managing skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, acne inversa, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet’s syndrome, neutrophilic dermatosis, subcorneal pustular dermatosis, hives, urticaria, cutaneous lupus, pemphigoid, pemphigus, or lichen planus.
Also, a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, “The Association Between Oral Health and Skin Disease”, reveals how oral health impacts various skin diseases. Notably, psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, shows a strong connection with oral streptococcal bacterial burden. These findings highlight the potential role of oral health in the development or prognosis of these skin conditions.
Metal Allergy & Dentistry
In addition, metals are used in dentistry, and as such, it is important to understand this link as well: “Metal Allergy: State-of-the-Art Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Hypersensitivity to Implants” as published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. This article discusses metal allergy, which can cause allergic contact dermatitis, including mechanisms, biomarkers, and the relationship between hypersensitivity to metals and the use of implanted devices. The review emphasises that nickel, chromium, and cobalt are common metal allergens, but attention is also drawn to others like gold, palladium, and titanium. This suggests a potential link between metal hypersensitivity and skin disorders, particularly in contexts where individuals are exposed to these metals through daily use items or medical implants. Oral galvanisation is also another phenomenon that may occur.
It’s all connected
As we’ve discussed, it’s all connected – teeth, brain, eyes, heart, gut, reproductive system. Get your dentistry checked, get your oral health checked, not just your teeth.
Further reading
Be sure to consult the following articles for more scientific insights:
- The Association Between Oral Health and Skin Disease
- Metal Allergy: State-of-the-Art Mechanisms, Biomarkers, Hypersensitivity to Implants
Written by Dr. Miguel Stanley.
