Source: https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest_Institute_More-than-Meets-the-Eye-Oral-Health-Eye-Health-and-Overall-Health.pdf (compiled by ChatGPT)
As part of our Oral Health & Whole Body Connection series, we’re exploring another surprising link—this time between your mouth and your eyes.
When you think about how your mouth affects your body, your eyes might not be at the top of your mind—but research shows they’re more connected than you’d expect. Studies have found that people with poor oral health are more likely to develop eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, both of which can lead to vision loss.
So, how are your teeth and eyes linked? It all comes down to inflammation and circulation. The same bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body—including the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. In fact, people with periodontal (gum) disease have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and those with uncontrolled blood sugar—often tied to gum inflammation—are more prone to diabetic eye disease.
Vision and oral health share many of the same risk factors, like aging, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and they both play a big role in overall wellness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 12 million Americans over age 40 live with some type of visual impairment—many of which are preventable through early detection and healthy lifestyle habits.
Keeping your mouth healthy helps protect more than just your smile. Good daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and staying on top of any gum inflammation can help support healthy circulation and reduce systemic inflammation that impacts your eyes.
Visual impairments affect a person’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, when providing education on proper oral hygiene practices, clinicians instruct patients to use their other senses such as touch.
We believe that oral health is truly whole-body health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the simplest ways to help protect your eyes, your heart, and your overall well-being.
Because sometimes, there really is more than meets the eye. Your smile doesn’t just light up your face—it supports your vision and your general health.