People who use nicotine are at higher risk for developing eye and dental complications compared to non-users. Most of these complications can be easily treated and managed with regular check-ups.
Vision
People who use nicotine are at higher for:
- Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Dry Eye Syndrome
Ways to avoid eye complications
- Quit Using Nicotine!
- Annual Eye Exams
- Controlling your blood sugar
- Controlling your blood pressure
- Controlling cholesterol
- Exercising
- Monitor for symptoms
- Blurry, double vision and seeing spots
- Difficulty reading books or signs
- Pain, pressure, and redness in eyes
- Decreased peripheral vision
Dental
Smoking, vaping, and tobacco chewing all increase risk for development and progression of periodontal disease and other dental complications. Research suggests that nicotine affects blood flow, immune cell function, and connective tissue turnover.
Dental complications nicotine users are at higher risk for include:
Ways to avoid dental complications
- Quit Using Nicotine!
- Bi-annual Dental Exams
- Oral Hygiene
- Brush your teeth 2 x day
- Floss often to remove plaque
- Monitor for symptoms like
- Red, swollen, and bleeding gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Permanent teeth that are loose or moving away from one another
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Mouth sores or infections
- Dry mouth often
Most of these complications can be easily treated and managed with regular check-ups. MidAmerica Dental and Vision staff will be onsite at WellHealth Worx providing routine and preventative care services 9.22.20. Appointments start at 6am.
Call to schedule an appointment!
317-612-3193
