How oral and vision care improve overall health

This article first appeared on BostonGlobe.com in collaboration with Boston Globe Media.

Oral health and eye health are often looked at separately than the rest of your physical health. Patients have separate doctors for dental and eye exams; they often have separate insurance cards – but oral and eye health could not be more connected to whole health.

“It’s not uncommon for optometrists or dentists to notice issues with the eyes or inside the mouth that are actually symptoms for larger health conditions,” says Dr. Raj Hazarika, MD, SM and vice president and chief medical officer for commercial products at Point32Health – the parent company of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan. “For example, blurred vision can be a symptom of diabetes, as can swollen or inflamed gums.”

Some eye or oral symptoms are a direct result of that larger health condition, while poor oral and eye health can also lead to larger health conditions down the line. Either way, prioritizing oral and eye care starts with having the right benefits in place.

Exercise and diet play a role

There’s a clear correlation between physical health and oral and eye health. With eye health, studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. The same goes for oral health, as exercise can help to lower the risk of periodontal disease.

Nutrition matters too. “Your diet has such an impact on the health of your whole body,” shares Dr. Hazarika. “And for those who experience food insecurity, there’s an even greater risk of developing a diet-related disease.”

Were you ever told as a child to eat carrots to improve your eyesight? There’s some truth to that, as carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, which is important for eye health. Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and some antioxidants found in leafy green vegetables are also beneficial for eye health. Consuming vitamins, minerals, fruit and vegetables is beneficial for oral health too, as it can help to prevent gum disease.

Coverage for whole health

“Prioritizing exercise and nutrition is beneficial to oral and eye health, but it’s not intended to be a replacement for the preventive care covered by dental and vision insurance,” Dr. Hazarika notes. And while employers may want to focus on offering medical coverage, not all dental and vision needs are covered under medical benefits. Dental and vision coverage also allows for a more extensive view into a person’s whole health.

Neglecting oral health can cause a buildup of bacteria that can lead to other health issues like pneumonia, endocarditis and cardiovascular disease, while optometrists can detect serious health conditions like high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases and cancers – all of which can cause employees to not only miss work due to illness, but spend more on health care in the long term.

Point32Health, who recently launched dental and vision products, saw the decision to offer vision and dental insurance as an easy one. For eligible members, it’s about creating easier access to comprehensive coverage with whole health in mind. Employees value having medical, dental and vision care as part of a standard benefits package. And for employers, there’s the opportunity for enhanced account service and support, as it allows for a more convenient and fully integrated benefits package through a single carrier – Point32Health’s dental and vision coverage alongside medical coverage through Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

Oral and eye health can be overlooked, yet it’s more important than ever to integrate them into your health routine – and your benefits package. Staying ahead or on top of larger health care issues through the prioritization of preventive care and proper diet and exercise offers a healthier future for each and every person.