A new study has found gum disease is associated with a higher risk of developing several ocular diseases.1
The study, which used data from the TriNetX database in the United States, found people with periodontal disease were significantly more likely to develop inflammatory and degenerative eye problems, like conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and retinal disease.
“Although periodontal disease is often thought of as localised to the mouth, it has been shown to be a trigger for systemic inflammation, and this study suggests that this inflammation can lead to higher risk of ocular disease,” study authors wrote.
“These findings suggest that maintaining good oral health and regular follow-up for dental care to prevent periodontal disease could play a role in protecting long-term eye health.
“The findings also highlight the importance of closer collaboration between dental providers and ophthalmologists, as earlier screening and preventive care may help identify at-risk patients for appropriate management.”
These findings suggest that maintaining good oral health and regular follow-up for dental care to prevent periodontal disease could play a role in protecting long-term eye health.
Reference
- Nanduri RS, Govindaraju P, Banaee T, et al., The effect of periodontal disease on ophthalmic conditions: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. In: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting; 2026 May 3-7; Denver, CO. Abstract No. 3068-0406.
