Now that the weather is warming up, you may be one of the unfortunate people of the population who suffer from 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 are closely related. Continue reading to learn about the oral health issue that can be caused by seasonal allergies and what you can do to fight back against them.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Seasonal allergies happen as a result of the grass, trees, and other plants pollinating and leaving substances into the air. This can cause irritation for many people. For many, the biggest culprit is ragweed pollen, but mold and dust mites can have similar effects as well.
How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Oral Health?
Allergies can cause a wide range of oral health issues. Here are a few of the most common.
- Dry Mouth: When your nose is 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 become dry. 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 pain 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 due to your allergies, you could develop a sore throat and bad breath.
How Can You Keep Your Smile Healthy When You Have Allergies?
Here are a few tips that can help you to maintain excellent oral health when you have seasonal allergies.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and mouth hydrated.
- Gargle Saltwater: To cut down on harmful bacteria in the mouth and draw mucus out of the sinus, 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’s a good idea to talk to your family physician about possible solutions.
- See Your Dentist: If you are experiencing pain in your mouth, schedule a checkup with your dentist. This way, they can rule out underlying issues other than allergies.
Don’t let allergies get in the way of having a healthy smile. Use the tips listed above so you can get through the seasons while avoiding oral health problems.
About the Practice
At Boyles General Dentistry & Implant Center, Dr. Stephen Boyles and Dr. Franklin Boyles work together to treat patients in the Midland community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof! For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (432) 685-7011.