seasonal allergies. While common symptoms like sneezing and itchy eyes are well-known, many people don’t realize how seasonal allergies can impact their oral health. Allergies themselves won’t damage your teeth, but they can indirectly cause a host of issues that spell trouble for your smile. Read on to find out how allergies are connected to everything from toothaches to cavities and what you can do to stay healthy this season.
Nasal Congestion & Cavities
A stuffy or runny nose is one of the most common issues associated with seasonal allergies. Unfortunately, nasal congestion is also responsible for increasing your risk of the most common oral health problem as well! Cavities are the result of plaque and bacteria buildup on your teeth. While these particles accumulate in your mouth throughout the day, saliva washes many of them away before they can cause serious damage. However, nasal congestion often leads to mouth breathing, which inevitably causes dry mouth. Without saliva constantly washing over your teeth, cavity-causing particles are free to accumulate and grow very quickly.
Sinus Pressure & Toothaches
You’ve heard of toothaches and you’ve heard of sinus pressure, but do you know about sinus toothaches? Some of your sinuses rest just above your upper jawbone. When they become inflamed, they press down on the upper jawbone close to where the roots of your top teeth are, causing a toothache sensation. While sinus toothaches are typically felt in the upper molars since they’re the closest to the sinuses, the pain can spread to other upper and lower teeth as well.
Allergy Medication & Gum Disease
If you suffer from allergies, you likely have a go-to antihistamine to take when your symptoms get bad. While over-the-counter allergy medications can offer much needed relief for nasal congestion, they typically cause the same issues for oral health: dry mouth. Dry mouth is a common side-effect of most allergy medications. In addition to a higher chance of cavities, a dried-out mouth puts you at a higher risk of gum disease.
Keeping Your Smile Healthy During Allergy Season
Avoiding seasonal allergies altogether may be impossible, but preventing them from damaging your smile isn’t! To protect your oral health this time of year, make sure to:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day
- Brush for two minutes twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy
- Sleep with a humidifier nearby
- Talk to your dentist about your concerns for personalized prevention tips
Enjoy this special time of year with a healthy smile! Knowing how seasonal allergies can impact your oral health can go a long way in preventing issues from developing.
About the Practice
The talented team of More Smiles Dental Spa is proud to offer a comprehensive menu of services, from checkups to makeovers, for smiles of all ages in Covington and the surrounding communities. Their combination of advanced training, years of experience, state-of-the-art technology, and spa-like amenities are sure to make every appointment as pleasant as possible for the whole family. Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be with you every step of the way on your journey towards optimal oral health to offer personalized recommendations and one-on-one attention. To learn more, they can be contacted via their website or at (985) 888-0668.