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The disgusting reason your tooth-brushing routine causes acne

April 4, 2023

Chin acne got you down?

Your tooth-brushing routine could be to blame.

Toothpaste is an age-old hack to vanishing pimples fast, but breakouts around your mouth could be caused by brushing your teeth, a TikToker claims.

The dermatology researcher, who goes by Dr.mehss online, posted a viral video earlier this month explaining the phenomenon.

“POV: You don’t brush your teeth before washing your face,” reads the text on the clip, which scored 4 million views.

She claimed in the caption that the bacteria from the mouth and teeth can spread to the skin around the lips, which can result in acne.

She recommended that people brush their teeth before washing their face every day, which can also curb skin irritation from toothpaste.


acne on face
The TikToker claimed that brushing post-face wash could result in breakouts from the mouth germs that can spread.
TikTok/Dr.mehss

In the comments, viewers were quick to dismiss Dr.mehss, criticizing her other videos that explain symptoms of vitamin deficiencies and other health issues.

“I always brush my teeth before washing and showering, but it’s still the same,” wrote one user.

“Can we just live?” commented another.


acne on chin
Toothpaste is also a skin irritant for some people, she said.
TikTok/Dr.mehss

But last August, Dr. Lindsey, who goes by @dermguru online, posted similar advice on TikTok.

She even warned that the habit can “destroy” skin if done improperly.

Well+Good reported last year that this is, in fact, true.

Speaking to dentists and board-certified dermatologists, the experts unanimously agreed that it’s better to wash your face post-teeth brushing.

“You want to avoid making the mistake of brushing your teeth and potentially having abrasive toothpaste ‘contaminate’ the skin you just spent so much time cleaning,” Dr. Richard Lipari, a cosmetic and general dentist in New York, told the publication.


TikToker pointing out chin acne.
The TikToker has made other explainer videos detailing how common habits can reportedly wreak havoc on the skin.
TikTok/Dr.mehss

Brushing your teeth in the shower is also a no-no.

Not only is the heat from a steamy shower bad for the toothbrush bristles but it could also promote bacteria growth.

Apparently, teeth cleaning agents are also slick, and, when mixed with shower products, could increase the risk of slipping in the tub.

Dentists have previously recommended that patients refrain from brushing right after breakfast, too.

Instead, they suggest, try brushing them before.

Not only will it get the saliva pumping – which experts claim can help fight mouth bacteria – but brushing after breakfast can damage the enamel at its weakest time.

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