Spring is in the air, which means runny noses and itchy eyes are abundant. Unfortunately, constantly blowing your nose isn’t the only concern of allergies. Believe it or not, your smile can also suffer the consequences of high allergen levels. Seasonal allergies and dental health are connected to one another. Your allergy symptoms can lead to dental complications. Here’s what you need to know to protect your smile while dealing with your allergies.
What are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies occur twice during the year. The spring and fall months are when trees and grass pollinate, which can cause irritation. Whether from ragweed, mold, or dust mites, you can experience a variety of symptoms, like nasal congestion or puffy eyes. Besides reaching for a tissue frequently, you may have to breathe through your mouth because of a stuffy nose which can harm your smile.
How Do Allergies Affect Oral Health?
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, like sneezing, coughing, irritated gums, and an itchy nose, throat, or mouth. The congestion can make it impossible to breathe through your nose, causing you to inhale and exhale through your mouth. It’s easy for mouth breathing to lead to a decrease in saliva production. Without adequate moisture, the mouth becomes the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
Besides congestion, post-nasal drip can also affect your dental health. It increases bacteria that can result in bad breath. It’s not uncommon to experience a sore throat from the irritation. The excess mucus can also cause sinus pressure that might lead to pain in the upper teeth.
How Can I Protect My Oral Health?
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, it’s best to make a few changes to combat your symptoms while also protecting your smile from any unnecessary complications. Your dentist has a few tips to help you through the upcoming months:
- Antihistamines: Use an antihistamine to treat your allergy symptoms.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep your mouth moist to reduce bad bacteria.
- Gargle with Salt Water: Dissolve a tablespoon of salt water in a glass of warm water to draw mucus out of your sinuses and to reduce irritation in your mouth and throat.
- Brush and Floss: Commit to brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing nightly to remove bacteria from your teeth and gums.
- Contact Your Dentist: Maintain your semi-annual dental visits for a cleaning and checkup.
Keep Your Mouth Healthy
If you have concerns about allergy-related oral health issues, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They’ll create the customized plan you need to keep your teeth and gums healthy during allergy season.
About Dr. Charles Walker
Dr. Walker earned his dental degree from the University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry. He has additional training in cellular biology and many other specialties. He remains current with the latest advancements in dentistry to deliver superior care. If you need an appointment or have any questions about your dental health, contact our office today.