Your dental health extends beyond your teeth and gums if you neglect them. In some circumstances, tooth decay affect your eyes. Let’s examine the various ways that the consequences of having terrible teeth might impact your eyes.
Four Effects of Poor Dental Health on Your Eyes
1. Nerve pain
The nerves inside of teeth can get irritated by cracked teeth, infected teeth, and other dental issues, leading to toothaches. In some instances, tooth nerve pain can radiate to your brain and eyes, resulting in headaches and eye pain.
Seeing your dentist as soon as you develop tooth discomfort is crucial because there are numerous potential explanations. It is feasible to avoid eye issues brought on by dental discomfort by determining and treating the source as soon as possible.
2. Gum illness
Plaque accumulation causes gum (periodontal) disease by irritating and infecting the gums. Plaque-forming bacteria can enter your circulation and impact other body organs, including your eyes. Gum infections can result in tooth loss and make other illnesses more challenging to treat if left untreated.
Early gum disease treatment is essential for avoiding tooth loss and other problems, including glaucoma. Do not hesitate to call your dentist if you have sore, inflamed, receding, or bleeding gums.
3. Pulpitis
Your chance of developing cavities that let dangerous germs into the pulp of your tooth, which is sensitive, rises due to poor dental hygiene. The tooth pulp may also be seen if a tooth is cracked due to trauma or teeth grinding. Bacteria can then result in pulpitis, a painful infection when the pulp is exposed.
Early-stage pulp infections are treatable but can quickly worsen and necessitate a root canal procedure to save the tooth. Your dentist cleans the tooth decay via root canal operation and restores the tooth.
If the infection is not treated with a root canal, it may spread, the germs may enter the eyes, harm the optic nerve, and result in glaucoma. Additionally, although it’s uncommon, infections that result from root canal surgeries may impair vision.
4. Amalgam fillings with cracks
A silver amalgam is an ancient type of filling comprised of mercury, silver, and other metals. You have a higher chance of being exposed to mercury vapor if you neglect your dental health or grind your teeth.
Long-term exposure to too much mercury vapor can negatively affect the eyes, kidneys, liver, and brain. Nowadays, most dentists utilize composite resin, a safer substance, to fix cavities. However, it could be necessary to replace old amalgam fillings if they are beginning to show indications of wear.
Common dental problems that cause eye pain
1. Bites
A terrible bite is defined as having missing, loose, or out-of-place teeth. Due to this issue, the jaw muscles may have to work harder than usual to seal the mouth and bring the teeth together. This situation could cause a headache or possibly some eye pain.
2. Teeth Grinding or Clenching
Stress is primarily to blame for the dental condition known as teeth grinding. Most often, those who grind their teeth do so while asleep. A migraine and eye pain may come from teeth grinding, which can irritate the jaws.
3. Tooth decay
Another dental issue that might cause a headache or eye pain is tooth decay. Dental decay can trigger a migraine, leading the patient to believe that the headache is bothering them instead of the tooth. Therefore, the next time you experience a constant headache or eye trouble, have your dentist first examine your mouth.
How to Preserve Good Eye and Dental Health
Observe these guidelines to maintain a healthy mouth and eyes:
- Twice daily, for two minutes each, brush your teeth.
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get amalgam fillings replaced with newer, safer materials.
- See your dentist once every six months for checkups and cleanings.
Because a healthy mouth promotes healthy eyes, you must take good care of your teeth and gums. Preventative treatments like teeth cleanings, exams, and daily oral care habits are the best ways to keep your mouth healthy.
