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 D’Ambrosio Eye
Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio
Eye Care,
Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that
we can help.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout
greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479
Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite
119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton,
Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main
Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester,
Massachusetts 01609.
