The seasons change and life goes on, but allergies seem like they’re forever! As flowers begin to bloom, many patients find themselves grappling with the effects of seasonal allergies. While symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes are well-known, allergies can also affect your dental health. But how? Continue reading to learn how seasonal allergies impact your teeth.
1. Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain
Seasonal allergies often lead to sinus congestion and pressure. Together, these can affect the upper teeth near the sinuses. When the sinuses become inflamed due to allergies, it can create pressure on the surrounding teeth, resulting in tooth pain or sensitivity. This discomfort can often make patients think they have a cavity, only to find out that it’s their allergies!
2. Dry Mouth
The primary ingredient in many allergy medications is antihistamines which are known to cause dry mouth as a side effect. Without good saliva flow, there is an increased risk of dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections. Patients experiencing dry mouth due to allergy medications should:
- Stay hydrated
- Consider using sugar-free lozenges
- Chew sugar-free gum
These will help stimulate saliva production in your mouth and protect your teeth from bacteria!
3. Bad Breath
Another unfortunate side-effect of seasonal allergies is the constant nasal drip that can leave excess bacteria in your mouth. This, combined with the dry mouth mentioned above can cause bad breath. This type of halitosis can be especially troublesome because it often comes from your throat where brushing won’t help.
What Should I Do for My Allergies and Dental Health?
If you want to beat the sniffles and keep your teeth healthy through allergy season, follow these tips:
- Gargle with Salt Water: While simple, a minute of salt water swishing and gargling can do your mouth a lot of good. It will break up the mucus in your throat and kill harmful bacteria.
- Treat Your Allergies: Depending on the type of allergies you have, some treatments may work better than others. If need be, ask your doctor which will be the most effective for you. Getting your allergies under control is the most important step for helping your dental health.
- Keep Brushing and Flossing: Though it might be uncomfortable because you can’t breathe through your nose, continue your regular oral care. This will prevent plaque buildup that will cause cavities and gum disease.
Seasonal allergies can be a real drag on your dental health. By understanding the effect they can have on your entire oral system, you can take proactive steps to treat yourself. While some discomfort can be attributed to allergies, if you experience persistent symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can give you a thorough exam to get you back on track to smiling without sniffing.
About the Practice
Dr. Tyler Aten and Dr. Kelsey Cone are your talented and friendly dental professionals at St. Albans Dental. They work hard to provide all their patients with great dental experiences that leave them smiling long after they’ve stepped out of the office. Their team uses the latest dental technology and techniques to offer care that’s efficient and affordable. Call (802) 524-4844 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to discover other services.