Can Brushing Poorly Irritate the Skin Around the Lips or Chin?

Have you ever noticed redness, bumps, or dry patches around your mouth after brushing? You're not alone. How poor brushing habits can affect not just your oral health, but your skin as well.

The Surprising Connection Between Brushing and Skin Irritation

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly 20% of adults experience some form of perioral dermatitis—inflammation of the skin around the mouth—and poor oral hygiene practices are a contributing factor for many.

The truth is, the way you brush matters more than you might think.

How Poor Brushing Affects Your Skin

When you brush poorly, several things can happen that irritate your skin:

1. Toothpaste Residue: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), found in 85% of traditional toothpastes, can disrupt your skin barrier when left on the skin. People who regularly left toothpaste residue on their skin were 3.5 times more likely to develop perioral dermatitis.
2. Dripping and Splashing: Aggressive brushing creates a foamy mess that often ends up on your chin and around your mouth. This residue, if not rinsed thoroughly, can lead to irritation.
3. Mechanical Irritation: Repeatedly wiping your mouth with rough towels to clean up after messy brushing can physically irritate the skin.

Signs Your Brushing Technique Is Affecting Your Skin

Watch for these warning signs:

• Redness or a rash around your mouth or on your chin
• Dry, flaky patches near the corners of your mouth
• Small bumps or pimple-like spots in the affected areas
• Burning or tingling sensation after brushing

The Solution: Better Brushing for Healthier Skin

The good news? Simple changes can make a big difference:

1. Choose the Right Products: Consider SLS-free toothpaste if you're prone to irritation. Approximately 42% of people with sensitive skin report improvement when switching to gentler formulations.
2. Perfect Your Technique: Keep your mouth partially closed while brushing to prevent splashing. A controlled brushing method reduces mess by up to 70%.
3. Clean Up Properly: Rinse your face with cool water after brushing to remove any residue completely.
4. Consider a Full-Mouth Brush: The Feno Smartbrush's enclosed design prevents splashing and dripping entirely, keeping toothpaste contained where it belongs—on your teeth, not your skin.

My Personal Perspective

After seeing countless patients struggle with this issue, I was determined to create a solution. The traditional brushing method hasn't evolved significantly in centuries, and these skin issues are just one more reason why we needed innovation in this space.

By containing the brushing process and eliminating messy drips and splashes, modern full-mouth brushing technology helps protect both your oral health and your skin.

Remember, healthy gums and healthy skin go hand in hand—both are important indicators of your overall wellbeing.