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Women are more likely to experience problems with their vision – and blindness – than men but are less likely to receive treatment. That’s why Prevent Blindness, an organization working to protect sight for more than 110 years, has declared April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month.
According to the Society for Women’s Health Research, the following eye diseases and conditions occur more frequently in women:
- Refractive Error – 26% percent more women than men over the age of 12 have uncorrected visual impairment due to refractive error
- Dry Eye – Two times more women than men over the age of 50 have dry eye disease
- Age-related Macular Degeneration – 65% of Americans with age-related Macular Degeneration are women
- Cataract – 61% of Americans with cataracts are women
- Glaucoma – 67% of Americans with glaucoma are women
- Thyroid Eye Disease – is 5-6 times more common in women than in men
Some of these diseases have been linked to poor oral health.
Can tooth decay affect my vision?
Oral health problems often result in dental infections and inflamed gums. Untreated, oral bacteria may travel through the body and impact other parts of your body, including your lungs, digestive system, heart and eyes.
For example, research indicates that gum disease may be associated with an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.
Glaucoma has also been linked to oral health issues. Here again, the suspected culprit is bacteria from an oral infection that reaches the optic nerves. While additional research needs to be done to prove this theory, a significant and growing body of research consistently indicates that oral health does have a significant impact on the wellness of
Inflammation caused by gum disease may also increase the risk of other systemic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, which can indirectly affect eye health. And cavities, decay and cracked, chipped or out-of-alignment teeth are often painful. This pain can radiate out from a sore tooth and cause headaches and eye pain, even blurry vision.
Can a rotten tooth make you sick?
Poor oral hygiene has significant impacts on overall health. For example:
Periodontitis (a severe form of gum disease) has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
Poor oral health during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, as high blood sugar levels weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection. New research suggests that serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.
Bacteria from oral infections can enter the lungs and cause respiratory diseases, including bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Medical research continues to show a strong connection between oral health and heart health. People with periodontal disease – gum infection and tooth decay – appear to be at a higher risk of having or dying from a heart attack, heart failure, or stroke.
Women’s oral health concerns
Women have unique oral health concerns. Hormonal level changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can impact your mouth, teeth, and/or gums. During ovulation and a few days before you start your period, higher progesterone levels may cause gum inflammation and tenderness. Hormonal birth control can also cause similar issues.
Changing hormone levels during pregnancy cause gingivitis (gum disease) in as many as 2 in 5 pregnant women. And reduced estrogen levels during and after menopause can affect your oral health. You may experience discomfort or pain in your mouth, as well as bone loss. All of these can result in tooth decay, tooth loss or gum disease.
Lowered levels of estrogen after menopause raises every woman’s risk of osteoporosis. When your bones are weakened from osteoporosis, gum disease can happen more quickly, and you may experience weakened teeth or even tooth loss.
How to maintain good oral health
Neglecting your dental health can have serious implications for your overall wellness, from causing disease to complicating successful treatment for existing conditions. By prioritizing good oral hygiene habits and seeking professional help when needed, you can protect both your smile and your overall health.
By following the simple guidelines below, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing dental issues:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash
- Limit sugary foods and drinks
- Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
Basic at-home oral hygiene is doable for many people, but seeing a dentist regularly may be tougher for some, due to budget concerns. But you don’t need to compromise when it comes to your health. A dental saving plan can reduce the cost of most dental procedures by 10-60%.
Many plans also include savings on vision, hearing, chiropractic care, prescription drugs, and telehealth services. To learn more about how dental savings plans work, or to find out how much you can save, call us at 1-833-735-0399 or use the calculator below for a quick look.