Do you remember the last time you visited the dentist? How about your last eye exam? Regular dental visits and eye exams can play an important role in your body’s health.
Oral health affects your overall health
Our mouths are full of bacteria, mostly harmless, but some bacteria can cause disease. Good oral care helps keep bacteria under control. Diseases affected by poor oral health can include heart disease and pneumonia.
Protect your oral health
Your best defense is to
- brush your teeth at least twice a day for 2 minutes each time
- use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- floss daily
- rinse with mouthwash to remove food particles left after brushing and flossing
- eat a healthy diet, limiting sugary food and drinks, and
- schedule regular dental visits.
Vision health is important too
An exam with an eye doctor may show issues with your vision. But did you know an eye doctor can sometimes spot health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure before your primary care doctor does?
The doctor can see you
How often you should have an eye exam depends on a few factors. If you have healthy eyes and good vision, you should be examined once in your 20s, twice in your 30s and when you turn 40. Your doctor will determine how often you need to have your eyes checked in the future. If you’re diabetic, you should have a yearly eye exam. A child’s eyes should be checked regularly by a pediatrician or eye doctor.
If you’re in one or more of these groups, you have a higher risk for glaucoma and should have an eye exam every 2 years:
- African Americans 40 years of age and older.
- Adults 61 years of age and older.
- Individuals with a family history of glaucoma.
So, make those dental and vision appointments soon. Your eyes and mouth are windows into your well-being!
