Now that the weather is warmer, you may be one of the unfortunate who have fallen victim to seasonal allergies. All of the congestion and sneezing may be distracting you just enough where you aren’t even thinking about your oral health. The truth is that the two go hand in hand. Continue reading to learn about the oral health issues that can be caused by seasonal allergies and what you can do to fight back against them.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur as a results of the grass and leaves pollinating and leaving substances in the air. This can cause irritation to many people. For most, the biggest culprit is ragweed pollen, but mold and dust mites can have similar effects as well.
How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Oral Health?
Allergies can cause a wide variety of oral health issues. Here are few of the most common:
- Dry mouth: When your nose is all stuffed up, it becomes more difficult for you to breathe. This is especially the case if you like to exercise. As a result, you will end up breathing through your mouth more and cause it to dry out. This puts you at greater risk for bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.
- Tooth pain: Sinus pain is a frequent sign that you have seasonal allergies. This is because allergies can cause the sinus cavity to fill up with mucus and cause aches and pains in the face. Since the sinuses are so close to the mouth, they can push down on the molars and increase tooth sensitivity.
- Sore throat: If you have post-nasal drip from allergies, you could develop a sore throat and bad breath.
How Can You Keep Your Smile Healthy When You Have Allergies?
Here are just a few tips that can help you to maintain excellent oral health when you have seasonal allergies:
- Drink water: Drink plenty of water in order to keep both your body and mouth hydrated.
- Gargle 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: Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
- See your doctor: If your allergies become severe, it is a good idea to talk to your family physician about possible solutions.
- See your dentist: If you experience tooth pain or other oral health issues, schedule a checkup with your dentist. This way, they can rule out underlying issues other than allergies.
Don’t let the season get in the way of having a healthy smile. Use the tips listed above so you can get through it with excellent oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose is an experienced dentist who has been in private practice for 25 years. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is an alumnus of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit her website or call (978) 922-1824.