Spring is coming around again. Even though it is great to feel the weather start to change, there is one thing that you aren’t looking forward to – seasonal allergies. You have already started stocking up on tissues and allergy medications so you can be ready when the big wave hits. However, you probably don’t know just how much dental health is affected by seasonal allergies. Continue reading to learn some of the ways your allergies can affect your oral health and what to do to prevent this.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Most of the time, seasonal allergies come around about twice a year during the spring and fall months. During this time, the grass and trees pollinate, and substances are left in the air, and they cause irritation to many people. For most people, the biggest culprit behind their allergies is ragweed pollen, but mold and dust mites have similar effects during this time of year.
How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Oral Health?
Allergies can cause many different issues when it comes to your dental health. Here are some of the most common ones that people experience:
- 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. You will eventually end up breathing through your mouth in order to get the oxygen that your body needs. This means that dry mouth could be in your future, putting you at higher 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, causing aches and pains in the face. Since your sinuses are so close to your mouth, it can push down on the roots of your molars, therefore increasing tooth sensitivity.
- Sore throat: If you experience post-nasal drip as a result of allergies, this can cause you to develop a sore throat and bad breath.
How Can You Keep Your Smile Healthy During Allergy Season?
Here are some tips to help you maintain excellent dental health when you are dealing with seasonal allergies:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in order to keep your body hydrated.
- Gargle with Saltwater: In order to cut down on harmful bacteria in the mouth and throat and draw mucus out of your sinuses, gargle with a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of salt.
- Brush and Floss: Don’t slack on your regular oral hygiene routine.
- See Your Doctor: If you have severe seasonal allergies, talk to your family doctor about possible solutions.
- See Your Dentist: If you are experiencing tooth pain or other oral health issues, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss this. This way, they can rule out any underlying issues other than seasonal allergies.
Don’t let your seasonal allergies mess with your oral health. By using the tips listed above and the instructions from your dentist, getting through the season will be a breeze!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for more than two decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific before serving in the US Army Dental Corps. Currently, he is a member of the American Dental Association, Northern Nevada Dental Society, Seattle Study Club, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Sparks, visit his website or call (775) 626-3535.