Our minds only associate the idea of healthcare with particular parts of our body, vision, providing teeth with dental care, etc. But what should we say, that the well being of your eyes, and of your teeth, are more closely connected, than you may imagine? On the one hand, the way your mouth looks might not have any direct relationship with how your eyes look, but on the other hand you can influence each other. The health of your eyes and teeth may influence your health in other areas such as the kind of food you eat or diseases you may contract in a very fascinating manner.
In the present paper, we shall see the shocking links between eye and dental health, and how keeping one will help the other to become healthier.
The impact of Oral Health on Your Eyes
It might appear that the relationship between oral health and eye health is far-fetched, but the issues in the former can affect the latter in a number of ways. Oral hygiene, a gum disease, and dental infections may be a contributing factor to numerous health issues some of which can also be directed towards the eyes.
1. Dry Eye Syndrome and Gum Disease
Among the best-reported connections between oral health and eye health is the inflammation brought about by gum disease (also referred to as periodontal disease). Mouth bacteria can infect the rest of the body when they pass through the bloodstream as a result of gum diseases and result in inflammation. It may result in the so-called dry eye syndrome when the amount of tears generated by the eyes is insufficient, and the eyes become irritated, red, and suffer.
Studies have indicated that individuals with periodontal disease experience increased chances of coming up with the dry eye syndrome. The inflammation that covers the gums may be transferred to the other parts of the body such as the tear glands and it becomes more difficult to keep the eyes moist. In extreme situations, it may result in long-term eye irritation and vision loss.
2. Tooth infection and vision problems
The eyes may also be directly affected by the infections in teeth or gums. In case a dental infection, like an abscessed tooth, is centrally transmitted to the surrounding tissues it may cause cellulitis, or any infection of the skin and soft tissues. Some infections may extend to the eyes and result into orbital cellulitis, a severe disease that may cause permanent loss of sight unless treated within a short period of time.
Better still, more prevalent than orbital cellulitis is the possibility of sinus infections due to dental abscess. The sinuses are found near the roots of upper teeth, and dental infection on this part may spread to the sinuses resulting in sinusitis. Untreated sinusitis may cause pressure which surrounds the eyes, resulting in headache and pain in the area of the eyes.
3. Grinding of Teeth and Strain in the eyes
Another oral condition, which may affect your eyes, is teeth grinding also known as bruxism. Jaw pain, stiffness of the neck and straining of the eyes are other common conditions experienced by many individuals who grind their teeth. It is so due to the fact that the muscles of the jaw and face are connected with the muscles around the eyes. The strain of grinding teeth is also a source of fatigue in muscles which may lead to discomfort and strain in the eyes. Bruxism can cause tension headache when not treated and this may worsen the pain in the eye.
The role of a healthy eye on oral health
Although oral health may affect your eyes, it is also the same. Eye problems and poor vision may interfere with your capacity to take good care of your teeth, and ultimately may cause dental problems. The following are some of the ways through which your dental care habit can be influenced by your eye health:
1. Problems with Visualizing Your Teeth
Oral hygiene is not simple to maintain especially to people with vision problems. Individuals having low vision might not be able to brush their teeth effectively and therefore, clean all parts of the mouth. This may result in accumulation of plaque, decay of teeth and gum-disease.
Visiting your Eye Hospital and Dental clinic regularly is necessary in the case of vision impairment. A check up of eyes can correct any eyesight issues, and Dental clinic can correct any oral problems, which may be a result of improper brushing and flossing of teeth.
2. Oral Health and Medications and their Side Effects
Some of the medicines, which are prescribed to treat eye cases, have side effects on the oral health. Indicatively, certain medications used to treat glaucoma, such as eye drops, may cause one to experience dry mouth, a condition that predisposes them to tooth decay and gum diseases. In case the mouth is not moist enough, it can be exposed to bacteria, plaque formation and tooth erosion
When getting treatment of an eye condition, it is necessary to consult your dentist regarding any oral health issues. They could assist in reducing the consequences of dry mouth and prescribe items to ensure that you have good oral health.
3. Dental Appointments and Vision Impairment
Persons with visual impairment may find it difficult to travel to dentist appointment. In other instances, individuals who have a serious sight problem might just ignore their dental hygiene just because they cannot visit a Dental clinic regularly. This can consequently cause poor oral health, which in turn causes gum diseases, cavities and other problems related to the oral cavity that can eventually translate to general well-being.
The Significance of Routine Examinations
Dental health and eye health should be taken care of. This is because regular checkups will help avoid problems that will be developed into serious problems.
By attending an Eye Hospital, one can detect any alterations in vision early on and treat them, whereas routine visits to the dentist can identify any issues in the oral cavity at early stages and avoid more complicated interventions in the future.
Brushing your teeth and eyes can be more of a holistic health care strategy, as both of these areas are in good health and condition at the same time.
The Holistic Approach to Healthcare: Take Care of Your Teeth and Eyes
Caring about your eyes and your teeth is not only a matter of the looks but a matter of health and wellbeing. On realizing the relationship that exists between dental care and eye health, you are able to take precautions in order to safeguard both. By adopting a fully holistic solution of visiting your Dental clinic and Eye Hospital frequently, as well as adhering to good habits of everyday hygiene, not only of your mouth but also of your very eyes, you will be able to sustain a healthy and confident smile and a clear vision throughout your many years.
Furthermore, a strong mouth and strong eyes can make you feel confident, that you look good yourself and therefore your confidence in your appearance will positively influence other aspects in your life.
Conclusion
Although the oral-eye health correlation is not obviously clear, you can be connected to these two sides of your body in numerous ways. Healthy mouth can make one have better vision and vice versa. These associations and a schedule that encourages care of both eyes and teeth are the key to a healthy life in the long run.