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There could be a correlation between blindness and tooth loss.
A recent study in the Journal of Periodontology has linked the two. The study indicated that men who lost teeth were as much as four times likelier to encounter age-related blindness. Age-related macular degeneration happens when the macula begins to deteriorate. Vision then suffers.
Earlier studies have displayed a link involving poor oral health and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, diabetes and strokes.
The researchers tried to pinpoint why the relationship may exist. They came to the conclusion that some of the risk factors are similar, including smoking and alcohol consumption. When the similar risk factors were considered, the correlation still existed.
The information did not show the same correlation exists in cases involving women.
Gum disease is the most common reason for adult tooth loss, according to most studies. This is something that is preventable for most people.
If people maintain good oral health and visit the dentist regularly, they may not have to be concerned with the tooth loss associated with age-related blindness.
