Happy Smile, Happy Skin.

Clear, evidence-based skincare guidance for real life and real skin.

Exploring a Possible Connection

Can the health of your mouth affect the health of your skin? It’s a question more researchers are beginning to ask.

While there’s no formal public guidance connecting oral and skin health, early studies and professional observations suggest that inflammation and microbiome imbalances in the mouth may influence what shows up on the skin. This page doesn’t offer medical conclusions - it simply shares what’s being explored, and why it might matter.

Let’s take a look at what we know so far.

Understanding the Link Between Oral Health and Skin Health

Your oral health doesn’t just affect your smile - it may influence your skin and overall well-being, too. Emerging research suggests that inflammation caused by gum disease or poor oral hygiene can contribute to systemic inflammation, which in some cases may be mirrored in the skin through breakouts, redness, or other inflammatory skin conditions. While the connection is still being explored, maintaining a healthy mouth may help reduce the body’s overall inflammatory load, supporting clearer, calmer skin.

How This Can Present on Skin

• Gum Disease: Some researchers are exploring how inflammation in gum disease may affect the wider body - including the skin - through shared inflammatory pathways. Although evidence is still limited, this link is a growing area of interest. For instance, while there’s no proven causal link between gum disease and psoriasis, both conditions involve shared inflammatory pathways. This means they could be triggered by similar lifestyle or environmental factors, and may even appear together in some people - not because one causes the other, but because they follow similar immune patterns

• The Oral Microbiome: Emerging research suggests that imbalances in the oral microbiome may influence gut health, potentially impacting the skin's barrier and immune function. For instance, oral bacteria can translocate to the gut, contributing to microbial imbalances and systemic inflammation, which are known to affect skin health. While more research is needed to fully understand these connections, this area is gaining scientific interest.

• Diet and Oral Health: Sugary foods and drinks not only harm your teeth, they may worsen skin issues like breakouts and premature ageing, contributing to inflammation in the skin.

Oral Health in People with Existing Skin Conditions
Research suggests that individuals with chronic inflammatory skin conditions (such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea) may also experience poorer oral health. This could reflect shared immune and inflammatory pathways - and highlights the need for extra care. Poor oral health may contribute to further systemic inflammation, which can show up as flare-ups, sensitivity, or skin imbalance.

Tips for a Healthier Mouth and Happier Skin

• Brush and floss daily to reduce harmful bacteria that can increase inflammation.

• Replace your toothbrush regularly to ensure effective cleaning.

• Stay hydrated to maintain saliva production, which helps balance your oral microbiome.

(Explore more in [Happy Hydration, Happy Skin].)

• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups to address potential issues early.

• Limit sugary snacks and drinks to reduce both oral and systemic inflammation.

(Explore more in [Happy Gut, Happy Skin].)

Need Extra Support?

If you’re struggling with your oral health, then speak to your dentist or dental hygienist for personalised advice and professional cleanings.

Is There Public National Guidance on the Effect of Dental Health on Skin Health?

Not really. While many dental professionals and specialists recognise the connection between oral hygiene and skin conditions, this link is not prominently featured in national public health guidance. For instance, the NHS provides comprehensive advice on dental health, focusing on preventing tooth decay and gum disease, but does not explicitly discuss the impact of oral health on skin conditions.

Emerging research suggests associations between oral health issues and skin conditions like eczema, indicating a potential two-way relationship. However, this evidence has not yet been translated into widespread public health messaging or everyday advice.

The Skin Well™ believes this matters. Because when skin is left out of the oral health conversation, the public is left without the full picture.

Trusted Sources (Not a Complete Catalogue)

Here are a few UK-based resources that provide advice on oral health, with some beginning to explore its connection to skin health:

  • NHS – Dental Health Overview
    Straightforward advice on caring for your teeth and gums, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups.
    https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/

  • Oral Health Foundation
    A charity providing easy-to-understand dental health tips, including resources for families and schools.
    https://www.dentalhealth.org/

  • British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry (BSP)
    Focuses on gum health and the prevention of conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis, which can affect overall health.
    https://www.bsperio.org.uk/

Further Reading & References

The following sources reflect ongoing research into the relationship between oral health and skin health. While these studies are exploratory and not yet reflected in national guidance, they highlight areas of growing interest in dermatology, inflammation, and systemic health.

🦷 Gum Disease and Systemic Health

🧬 The Oral Microbiome and Gut–Skin Connection

🥗 Diet, Inflammation, and Oral Health

👄 Oral Health in People with Skin Conditions

The Skin Well™
A grassroots, evidence-aware initiative supporting public skin education.
👉 @theskinwell_

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information in this leaflet is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. This resource is informed by current evidence, clinical observation, and emerging research in skin health. Where early or exploratory studies are referenced, this reflects ongoing scientific interest - not established public health guidance. I include these insights to raise awareness, not to make health claims. If in doubt, please consult a qualified healthcare professional. If you spot an omission or believe any of the information is inaccurate, please get in touch. I’ll review it and make updates where appropriate

Version: [March / 2025]

© 2025 Jacqui de Jager | The Skin Well™ & The Happy Skin Clinic®
All rights reserved. This leaflet is for personal use and education only. It may not be reproduced, distributed, or adapted without written permission.