It is usually difficult for many individuals to see how their eyes and teeth are connected, especially in matters related to wellness and health. However, going by the numerous studies done, there is a correlation between a person’s dental health and their vision. The studies place individuals who have had a lot of dental work and have fewer natural teeth at risk of suffering from open-angle glaucoma. Despite the compelling evidence, optometrists are adamant that further research is needed.

Teeth and Eye Connection

More people are visiting dental clinics seeking medical advice for the various eye conditions. Most cases of eye conditions such as glaucoma and ocular lymphoma are being triggered by teeth conditions such as mercury filling, decay, and gum diseases. Hence, most people start experiencing problems with their vision at the same time that the teeth start falling. The topic of mercury filling has elicited a heated debate with many people deeming the fumes from the filling harmful to a person’s body. Thus, a person should consider doing their research thoroughly before deciding on the procedure.

According to Louis Pasquale, inflammation, and infection at the base of the tooth could release agents that might cause glaucoma. This scenario can be used to show the link between dental health and glaucoma.

According to the Journal of Glaucoma, the number of teeth, which is an indicator of oral health, and the number of oral bacteria can be associated with glaucoma pathology. Hence, good oral health is vital when it comes to reducing open-angle glaucoma cases.

Glaucoma

It is the most common disease, and it causes damage to the optic nerve. The health of the optic nerve determines the levels of your vision. In most cases, the damage is as a result of fluid forming in the eye, causing unusually high pressure.

Types of Glaucoma

1. Open-angle Glaucoma

It is the most common form of glaucoma. It is caused by the drainage angle remaining open whereas the trabecular mesh remains partially blocked. This results in the pressure in the eye damaging the optic nerve.

2. Angle-closure Glaucoma

It is also referred to as closed-angle glaucoma. It occurs when the iris bulges either blocking or narrowing the drainage angle. The blockage results in reduced fluid circulation, thus increasing the pressure.

3. Normal-tension Glaucoma

This is a condition where the optic nerve is damaged despite the eye pressure being normal or within range. There is no conclusive evidence of why this happens, but it might be as a result of a sensitive optic nerve or reduced blood flow.

Cataracts

This is the clouding of the eye’s lens, which lead to decreased vision. Cataracts have been widely linked with an individual’s oral health. It is believed that there are toxic elements present in mercury fillings. The elements cause several eye conditions such as iritis, cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, among other eye diseases.

Fortunately, it is possible to treat and prevent cataracts caused by mercury toxins using over-the-counter (OTC) antioxidant.

Tooth Extraction

Most people believe that tooth extraction affects vision. However, there is no evidence linking tooth extraction to loss of one’s vision.

Solutions for Oral Health

For people with amalgam fillings, they should consider removing them and replacing them with non-mercury ones. The replacement is to avoid toxic elements from penetrating the body. Also, individuals should avoid root canals as it might cause fungal and bacterial infections. Root canals have been rendered irrelevant by the latest dental innovations such as dental implants which reduce chances of infections. Finally, one should visit their dentists twice a year as recommended. This will enable the dentist to check and treat any coral condition they might deem necessary.

About New Optical Palace

New Optical Palace is your Optician and Optometrist in the Kitchener and Waterloo Area. We offer eye exams for adults and children and a wide selection of prescription glasses for your prescription, contact lenses, and sunglasses.