How are Eye Health & Oral Health Connected?

Being a dentist, I usually don’t concern myself too much with a patient’s eyes. I just want to ensure they can “see” their transformed grin. However, did you know oral health strongly impacts eye health? Indeed, your teeth and gums’ quality can help or harm your eyes. You should, thus, make a healthy smile part of your optical care. If you’d like, I’m happy to explain the details. Here, then, is how a clean mouth leads to better eyes, including some dental tips that aid this process.

Weak Smile, Weak Eyes

In reality, your oral health affects various parts of your body. It just so happens that two of those body parts are your eyes.

Consider a gum infection, for instance. Besides eroding your jaw and gums, this condition can damage your optic nerves. Its harmful oral bacteria may travel to your eyes and cause an inflammatory response.

There’s even a link between diseases like glaucoma and your teeth. Such ailments, you see, are often triggered by tooth decay. In fact, many people start having vision issues once their teeth begin to fall out.

Oral Care Tips for Healthy Eyes

Thankfully, you can prevent eye-straining oral problems with the right habits. If you haven’t already, then, try adopting the following tips:

Practice Good Oral Hygiene – Twice daily, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. Furthermore, remove any excess plaque and food debris by flossing once daily.
Eat a “Mouth-healthy” Diet – Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel, whereas nutrient-dense meals keep your teeth and gums healthy from the inside out. So, add some lean proteins, fresh fruits, and raw veggies to your diet plan.
Avoid Bad Oral Habits – Tobacco drastically increases your risk of gum disease when ingested. Therefore, try your best to quit smoking or chewing products that contain it.
See Your Dentist Often – We dentists recommend checkups and cleanings every six months. These routine visits can catch gum disease early and prevent severe dental problems. Furthermore, they give practices a chance to screen for oral cancer.

General Eye Health Care

Of course, healthy teeth and gums alone won’t protect your eyes. You’ll want to supplement the habits above with standard eye care practices.

One good idea is to get more exercise. Studies show that physical activity can reduce your risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. It’ll even lower your odds of getting type 2 diabetes, which can impair your eyes.

Another, naturally, is to get frequent eye exams. After all, an optometrist is in the best position to diagnose and treat optical problems.

As you can see, the mouth-eye connection shouldn’t be underestimated. Therefore, visit your dental provider soon so your healthy smile strengthens your eyes!