Dentist Grace Goar Vershinina reveals the ORAL hygiene mistakes that are ruining your skin

The say the secret to a glowing complexion is a good skincare regime, a super-healthy diet and regular exercise.

But a celebrity aesthetic dentist has revealed how the state of your teeth and gums can have a significant impact on our overall health and skin health. 

Speaking to Australian lifestyle website Who What Wear, Dr Grace Goar Vershinina, from Beverly Hills, shared the common oral hygiene mistakes people make that can cause havoc on skin – and why you should always wash your face after brushing.

Dr Vershinina said the mouth acts like a ‘gateway into the body’.

‘The mouth is a gate, a primary entryway into the body, poor oral health can have negative consequences for the entire body. Bacteria from the mouth can easily get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation, infection, and disease,’ she said. 

Dr Vershinina said while you may be on a super-healthy diet, workout regularly and use the best skincare products on the market, your skin can still be affected if you have dental problems.

‘If you have poor oral hygiene, silent dental infection, different types of metal restoration in your body (aka fillings, etc.), your skin most likely won’t have that healthy glow because a healthy mouth contributes to healthy skin,’ she said.

She said having a good oral hygiene is necessary to keeping teeth and gums healthy – and prevent dull skin or acne. 

Dr Vershinina said you should brush your teeth twice a day, floss, clean your tongue, get regular dental check-ups every six months and replace your fillings.

She suggested investing in an electric toothbrush.

Dr Vershinina  also advised washing your face after brushing your teeth. 

‘After brushing your teeth, wash your face in order to eliminate cross-contamination from mouth to skin,’ Dr Vershinina said.

Dr Vershinina said while you may be on a healthy diet, workout regularly and use the best skincare products on the market, your skin can still be affected if you have dental problems

Sydney dentist Lewis Ehrlich (pictured) said an alarming research previously found only half the population are actually brushing their teeth twice a day

Sydney dentist Lewis Ehrlich said an alarming research previously found only half the population are actually brushing their teeth twice a day.

‘You’ve got to be getting as much protection as you can – and we really should be brushing twice a day,’ he said. 

He said one of the most common myths toothbrushes with harder bristles are better than soft.

‘It actually strips away the gums – and can create a bit of sensitivity in the teeth. So always use soft bristle toothbrushes,’ he said.

Dr Ehrlich said dentists recommend brushing in a gentle, circular motion – and not horizontal because it could damage your teeth.

And lastly, he strongly encourages flossing.

‘It gets the area where your brush can’t and it reduces your risk of systemic diseases that are linked to gum disease,’ he said.