Did you know that not taking care of your
teeth and gums can increase your risk of blood vessel damage in the retina?
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums that results from bacterial
buildup and the surface and between your teeth. It is easily prevented with
through oral hygiene such as brushing your teeth and flossing properly to avoid
accumulation of bacteria on your teeth and gums. If left untreated it can
result in loosening or even loss of teeth. But, a study in the Journal of
Periodontology
found that there was an
association between periodontontitis and the health of the retinal blood
vessels in terms of their narrowing and constriction in a similar manner as
results from hypertension and vascular and inflammatory diseases. The
researchers speculated that over time this could lead to “leaky blood vessels”
and indicate that periodontitis might
lead to increased risk for other diseases.
To learn more about
tooth and gum disease such as periodontitis ask your dentist. If you have
periodontitis and have not had a regular eye exam please call Alabama Eye &
Cataract Center, P.C. in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, Google+ or www.facebook.com/alabamaeyeandcataractcenter.
Michelson Laser Vision, Inc. and Alabama Eye
& Cataract Center, P.C. are leading eye care centers in Birmingham located
at UAB-Highlands, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 and
staffed by UAB Medicine eye doctors and eye specialists.
