The Link Between Oral Health and Eczema

If you've ever dealt with eczema, you know how frustrating it can be—the itching, the flare-ups, the constant guessing game of triggers. But here's something that might surprise you: your mouth might be playing a bigger role than you think.​

Eczema isn't just skin deep. It's a full-body condition, and your mouth might be one of the missing pieces in your management puzzle.​

So... What Do Your Gums Have To Do With Your Skin?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting many individuals around the world. While its exact causes are multifactorial, recent studies have uncovered a noteworthy connection between eczema and oral health. ​

Scientists have found that people with eczema often have more plaque, less healthy bacteria in their mouths, and signs of gum inflammation. In simple terms: their oral environments are more out of balance.​

Think of your body as a complex network. When one part is inflamed (like your gums), it can fire up inflammation to other parts too—including your skin. It's not about blaming your toothbrush for your eczema, but it does mean oral health and skin health are more connected than we realised.​

What Can You Do About It?

This isn't about adding more things to your to-do list—it's about connecting the dots and understanding what could be triggering those stubborn flare-ups.​

• Watch for hidden inflammation triggers: Untreated gum disease sends low-level inflammation signals through your whole body. That constant immune response could be nudging your skin into flare-up mode.​

• Think beyond the obvious skincare stuff: You've probably tried moisturisers, soaps, and diets. But have you ever had a dentist check for early gum disease or oral bacteria imbalance?​

• Mouth breathing: Especially at night, mouth breathing can dry out your gums and your skin—leaving both more vulnerable to irritation.​

  
  

This is about knowing your body better—and making small changes that could actually lead to big relief.​

Your Smile Might Be Telling You More Than You Think

Eczema isn't just skin deep. It's a full-body condition, and your mouth might be one of the missing pieces in your management puzzle.​ By paying attention to your oral health, you might find new ways to soothe your skin. It's all connected, and understanding that connection is the first step towards feeling better.​

Prevention and awareness is the best approach in oral health. The EasyDental App is free and packed with knowledge and practical tools to keep you ahead of dental problems. 📲 Download now

All our content is grounded in scientific research. If you're interested in reading more into this topic, feel free to explore not only the articles mentioned below but also other scientific studies and research papers that provide valuable insights. Science is a vast and ever-evolving field, and there's always more to discover and learn.

1. Association of Adult Atopic Dermatitis with Impaired Oral Health and Oral Dysbiosis: A Case-Control Study (2024)

2. Poor oral health is associated with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis in Korean adolescents (2020)

3. Identification of oral symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis in adolescents: Results from the Korea national representative survey 2009–2017 (2020)