When you think about taking care of your health, exercise, eating well and your yearly physical probably come to mind first. While these practices are undoubtedly important, the connection between overall health and your teeth, gums and eyes should not be overlooked. Effective oral and eye care, through your habits at home and regular visits with health care providers, can help prevent health issues throughout your body, as well as offer early warning signs.
Point32Health, the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan, recently launched dental and vision insurance products to make these key components of holistic health more accessible and affordable for members.
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Oral health: Why the mouth matters
Oral bacteria is usually harmless if you practice good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing your teeth daily. But neglecting oral health causes a build up of bacteria in the mouth, and could lead to other health complications throughout the body like pneumonia, endocarditis and cardiovascular disease.
The good news is many oral health conditions and their effects are preventable. Studies have found that every dollar spent on preventive dental care can save $8 to $50 in restorative and emergency treatments later on — and possibly even more on additional treatments.
How to maintain oral health
- Brush your teeth. For two minutes, two times a day, brush your teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. All American Dental Association-approved toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth against decay.
- Use floss and mouthwash. Dental floss cleans the areas between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, while mouthwash can help remove any lingering food particles after brushing and flossing.
- Two annual dentist visits. Dental visits are recommended every six months for a deep clean and to check for oral issues ranging from cavities to signs of oral cancer.
- Maintain an overall healthy lifestyle. What’s good for the rest of your body is good for your teeth and gums and vice versa, so prioritize exercise and eating nutritious food. Manage your stress level, limit your sugar intake and avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol use.
Eye health: A window to your health
Your eyes can be a window into your overall health. Doctors of optometry can detect more than 270 serious health conditions, according to the American Optometric Association. About one in five Americans in a 2018 survey said an eye health professional has detected or diagnosed them with a non-eye-related health issue. These include serious conditions from diabetes and high blood pressure to autoimmune diseases and cancers.
If you experience blurred or obstructed vision, drooping eyelids, night blindness, or other eye-related concerns, you should see your provider as soon as possible. Even when you don’t have specific concerns, you can keep your eyes healthy with regular preventive care.
How to maintain eye health
- Regular eye exams. Adults should schedule an eye exam every one to two years, so check to see what’s covered under your current vision health plan.
- Avoid eye strain. Focusing on screens for too long is a common cause of eyestrain. To give your eyes the rest they need, try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to an object about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Wear sunglasses. Protection from ultraviolet rays is not just important for skin, but eyes too. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays, which can cause damage to the eyes and eye area over time.
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Caring for your oral and eye health is a vital yet often overlooked aspect of overall well-being. By integrating oral and visual health into your routine health care, you are investing in the health of not only some of your most vital sensory organs, but your entire body.
