**Gum disease**, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It is caused by plaque buildup and can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and even tooth loss if left untreated. **Rosacea**, on the other hand, is a skin condition characterized by redness, swelling, and acne-like bumps on the face. While these two conditions may seem unrelated, recent research suggests that gum disease may actually impact the severity of rosacea.
Gum Disease and Inflammation
**Inflammation** is a key factor in both gum disease and rosacea. When you have gum disease, the bacteria in your mouth can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to swollen and bleeding gums. This inflammation can also affect other parts of your body, including your skin. Studies have shown that people with gum disease are more likely to have higher levels of inflammation in their bodies, which may exacerbate the symptoms of rosacea.
The Role of Oral Bacteria
“One of the most common factors that patients report for increased symptoms in rosacea is ultraviolet light exposure and we are reporting on a biochemical explanation for that,” he says. A greater understanding of rosacea’s shared etiology will not only aid diagnosis and treatment for patients with rosacea, it could have wider clinical implications. In the past, little could be done to treat the redness and pustules of rosacea. For mild to moderate rosacea, a topical treatment often is recommended. Newer medications work by constricting blood vessels or decreasing inflammation. Because the effect is temporary, these medications must be applied regularly to maintain improvements and can be expensive.
Other topical products address the pimples of mild to moderate rosacea. It may take several weeks for noticeable improvements to appear when using these drugs. Changes typical of rosacea on white skin are red cheeks, nose and central face, with small red bumps or bumps with pus in them. The doctors could not find a particular cause of my digestive problems, however when I went to see a doctor with heavy cramping and a high fever, he thought it could be diverticulitis. My diverticulitis was treated with a heavy dose of antibiotics and the cramps and fever disappeared. However, the symptoms of diverticulitis returned periodically and I started to look at alternative treatments.
In severe cases of ocular rosacea, sores can develop in the eye and vision can be affected unless the condition is treated effectively. Figuring out which foods to eat and which to avoid may take time and careful observation. Log everything you eat and drink, as well as any changes to your rosacea. Remove foods one at a time to see your body’s response to it. It’s thought to be a response to ongoing inflammation in the body. Immune system changes and gut bacteria imbalance may also be factors.
It is important to differentiate the underlying erythema, as its management will differ. Lesional/perilesional erythema can resolve with successful anti-inflammatory treatment. Telangiectatic rosacea is amenable to lasers /IPL management.23,24 To treat persistent macular background erythema, adrenergic receptor agonists can be used. Mastcells are key mediators of cathelicidin-initiated skin inflammation in rosacea,13 but anti-histaminerg treatment is rarely effective in its treatment. Aside from the probable role of inflammation, bacteria present in the mouth might also be breathed into the lungs. Once in the lungs, the bacteria could trigger infections that directly lead to inflammation.
The bacteria associated with gum disease can also play a role in the development of rosacea. **Porphyromonas gingivalis**, a common bacterium found in the mouths of people with gum disease, has been linked to increased inflammation and immune responses in the skin. This can lead to a worsening of rosacea symptoms, such as redness and swelling. By treating gum disease and reducing the levels of harmful oral bacteria, it may be possible to improve the symptoms of rosacea as well.
Preventing Gum Disease and Rosacea
**Maintaining good oral hygiene** is essential for preventing gum disease and potentially reducing the impact on rosacea. Brushing and flossing regularly, visiting your dentist for cleanings and check-ups, and using mouthwash can all help keep your gums healthy and prevent the buildup of plaque. If you have rosacea, it may also be beneficial to pay extra attention to your oral health to minimize inflammation and reduce the risk of exacerbating your skin condition.
In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between gum disease and rosacea, there appears to be a connection between the two conditions. By taking steps to maintain good oral hygiene and treat gum disease promptly, you may be able to lessen the impact on your rosacea symptoms and overall skin health.
If the appearance or feel of your skin is bothering you, it’s important that you seek medical attention for your condition. The symptoms may involve bumps and thickening of the skin, as well as a burning sensation. Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, hot cider, and hot cocoa may also trigger rosacea flare-ups. Over time, rosacea can thicken the skin on the nose, causing it to look bigger. The flushing and redness of rosacea may be difficult to see on brown and Black skin. You can add rosacea to the long list of other rough stuff stress does to your body.
