We all know the importance of a good dental hygiene routine, with daily brushing and flossing being essential habits for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. However, a surprising new study has revealed that your tooth brushing routine may be having some unexpected consequences for your skin. In fact, according to skincare experts, the way you brush your teeth could be causing acne outbreaks in certain areas of your face. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this phenomenon and explore some simple steps you can take to help minimize the risk of tooth brushing-related acne.
A TikTok skincare expert with 743,000 followers, Dr Mehss, has caused a stir online for claiming that the order in which we brush our teeth could be the cause of acne breakouts. The medical student from Turkey has become somewhat of a sensation on TikTok for her skincare tips, and she recently went viral again with a video that showed pictures of patients with pimples around their chin, mouth, and jawline. In the video, which gained 5.1 million views, Dr Mehss argued that cleansing before brushing your teeth can spread bacteria around the mouth and face, leading to acne breakouts.
She also added that leftover toothpaste can cause dryness or skin irritation, making it even more crucial that you brush your teeth before washing your face. Dr Mehss wrote on her TikTok, “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. Dermatologists and dentists agree brushing your teeth should always come before washing your face.”
While many have used toothpaste on their pimples as an age-old acne trick, dermatologists warn against it, as toothpaste chemicals can also cause breakouts on the face. The sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) found in toothpaste is one of the most common ingredients causing breakouts. A 1983 safety assessment study of SLS published in the International Journal of Toxicology found that SLS wasn’t harmful if used briefly and rinsed from the skin. However, continuous skin exposure to SLS can lead to mild to moderate irritation.
Dr Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, stated, “SLS is the prototypical sulfate ingredient that has been removed from sulfate-free products. It’s a known irritant, causing skin inflammation. It used to be used commonly in cleansers and toothpaste because it acts as a surfactant to help remove dirt from the skin and gunk from teeth.”
Dr Mehss’s video struck a nerve with many of her viewers. Some were shocked to learn that their tooth brushing routine could be causing their breakouts. One user joked, “So basically everything I do is wrong,” while another said, “I’m never doing this again,” and a third added, “Omg this explains so much; I always have a dry rash there, especially before bed after I’ve brushed my teeth.“
While it’s true that toothpaste chemicals can cause breakouts, acne can result from many other causes besides just hormones or incorrect tooth brushing habits. Other factors that can lead to a breakout include stress, high glycemic index foods, or even makeup.
Overall, Dr Mehss has provided an essential piece of advice when it comes to avoiding acne breakouts. Brushing your teeth before washing your face is the best way to ensure that your skin remains healthy and free of pimples. Still, if you’re concerned about persistent acne, it’s always best to see a dermatologist who can provide more personalized advice.
