With the arrival of April, you likely know it’s the middle of allergy season. That means you’ll be watching for sneezing, sniffling, and other nose-related symptoms. However, were you aware that seasonal allergies affect oral health as well? You’ll need to monitor your teeth and gums during these pollen-filled months to keep your mouth safe. If you want further details, here’s a primer on the matter from your local New Lenox dentist.
How Do Allergies Impact Oral Health?
As your seasonal allergies take hold, they can cause various oral health issues. Examples of these include the following:
Toothaches
It’s fairly common for allergies to cause toothaches in people. When pollen and dust enter your nostrils, they can cause your sinuses – the air-filled spaces within the bones of your skull – to swell with mucus. That swelling will often push down on the roots of your upper molars, causing pain and temperature sensitivity as a result. This effect can also improve or worsen based on whether you sit, stand, or lie down.
Dry Mouth
An allergy-induced dry mouth isn’t that rare a condition, either. Since allergens make you more likely to breathe through your mouth, they can indirectly dry out your tongue. Anti-histamines that treat allergies can also include dry mouth as a side effect. With either effect, you’d have less saliva and a higher risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
Sore Throat
Allergies often cause a sore throat by triggering a postnasal drip. Worse, this ache can lead to bad breath in many cases. This odor wouldn’t be treatable with just brushing, since it originates in your throat.
How Should You Respond?
If you experience allergy-related oral issues, you should take a few key steps. These are:
- Get Plenty of Water – As best you can, drink lots of water and keep hydrated. Getting enough liquids can counteract dry mouth and flush your body of its excess mucus.
- Continue to Brush & Floss – When your allergies cause dry mouth, make sure you brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. These habits will reduce your risk of dental problems.
- Address Your Allergies – You can prevent some oral issues by avoiding known allergy triggers, as well as by taking allergy medications or allergy shots.
- Consult Your Dentist – If all else fails, talk to your dentist. They can confirm whether your oral issues are allergy-related or caused by other problems.
Seasonal allergies affect oral health, but they don’t need to dictate everything. Remember to follow the tips above and keep your grin safe from pollen!
About the Practice
Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox is based in New Lenox, IL. Led by Drs. Albert, Snow, and Feller, our practice seeks to give every patient a thriving smile. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments specially tailored to your wants and needs! By customizing our procedures, our team ensures your family gets the strong grins you deserve. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (815)-462-9990.