5 Daily Habits for Better Oral Health and Vision

Do your eyes feel dry? Are your gums irritated? The health of your mouth and eyes are more connected than you may realize. Luckily, small daily habits like staying hydrated and eating nutrient-rich foods can help you maintain both a bright smile and clear vision.

One of the best things ways maintain your oral health and vision is to schedule routine annual eye exams and bi-annual dental cleanings. With Delta Dental of Rhode Island and DeltaVision®, AAA Northeast members in Rhode Island have exclusive access to discounted dental and vision insurance plans.

Here are some other things you can do every day to keep your mouth and eyes healthy.

Don’t Slack on Routine Oral Maintenance

We all know that brushing and flossing daily can prevent gum disease, but it also can protect your eyes. Preventing gum disease can decrease the risk of inflammation and infection in your mouth from gum disease. Sometimes, inflammation or infection in the mouth can travel through the sinuses or the blood to do damage to the sensitive optical blood vessels that are key to keeping your eyes healthy, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

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Incorporate Superfoods Into Your Diet

The buzz about superfoods is not just hype. Research has shown that a daily diet high in vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and C and omega-3 fatty acids is good for supporting healthy gums and good eye health. Carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Oranges, strawberries and broccoli provide a healthy dose of Vitamin C. And for omega-3 fatty acids, consider adding salmon, seaweed and walnuts to your meals.

Cut Down on Sugar

Oral wellness and healthy vision are also impacted by the foods you eat sparingly. Everyone knows that limiting your sugar intake can reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, but curbing your sweet tooth can help to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. That’s important, as people with chronically high blood sugar levels, like those with diabetes, are more at risk of having eye issues. The AOA reports that chronically high blood sugar levels stress and damage the tiny optical blood vessels that are essential for your vision.  

Just Add Water

Staying hydrated is very important to the health of both your mouth and your eyes as it helps to maintain healthy saliva production and tear film. Saliva prevents bacteria from gaining a foothold on your teeth, so much so that people with dry mouth often are prescribed a special toothpaste to help with saliva production. Tears protect the eyes by washing out irritants and keeping eyeballs hydrated.

Give Your Eyes a Break

Just like your teeth, your eyes need daily care. If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This reduces eye strain and can prevent headaches.

On our own, we all can only do so much to protect our oral health and vision. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular visits with your dentist or optometrist.

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