Spring is here once again. That means that you have your seasonal allergies to look forward too. You have already begun to stock up on tissues and allergy medication in order to help you get through the month of April, but there is one thing that you probably haven’t thought too much about – your oral health! Allergies have numerous effects on your oral health that you may not already realize. Continue reading to learn about the relationship between allergies and your smile as well as how you can keep your dental health in good shape throughout the season.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Most of the time, seasonal allergies occur about twice a year during the spring and fall months. This is when the trees and grass pollinate leaving substances in the air that cause irritation to many people. For the majority of people, the biggest culprit is ragweed pollen, but mold and dust mites can also have a similar effect on some.
How Do Allergies Affect Oral Health?
Allergies contribute to oral health issues. Here are just some of the common problems that they can cause:
- Dry mouth: If you have a stuffed-up nose, it makes it more difficult for you to breathe. This is especially the case if you like to exercise. Eventually, you end up breathing through your mouth more often and it will become dry. This will put you at higher risk for bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.
- Tooth pain: Sinus pain is a frequent symptom of allergies because the sinus cavity can fill up with mucus. This eventually causes aches and pains throughout the face and mouth. Because your sinuses and so close to your mouth, they push down on the roots of your molars causing tooth sensitivity to increase.
- Sore throat: When you have post-nasal drip because of allergies, this can cause you to develop a sore throat and bad breath.
How Can You Maintain Excellent Oral Health During Allergy Season?
Here are some tips that can help you keep your smile healthy when you are dealing with seasonal allergies:
- Drink water: Stay hydrated in order to wash away bacteria and prevent dry mouth.
- Saltwater: To cut down on harmful bacteria in the mouth and draw mucus out of the sinuses, gargle with a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of salt.
- Brush and floss: Keep up excellent oral hygiene during this time.
- See your doctor: If your allergies are becoming severe, give your doctor a call to discuss possible solutions.
- See your dentist: For tooth pain or other oral health issues, schedule a visit with your dentist so they can rule out underlying issues other than allergies.
You shouldn’t let allergies get in the way of a healthy smile. Use the tips listed above and see your dentist. This way, you can get through the season while keeping your oral health in good shape!
About the Author
Dr. Kenneth Endres is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for nearly 40 years! He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Howard University before enrolling in the United States Air Force and completing a one-year practice residency at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Granby, visit his website or call (860) 653-4551.