Did you know that suffering from allergies can impact your oral health? You might think that in winter it’s less of a problem because there are fewer plants spreading pollen during the colder months. However, your body could still have a response if you’re stuck inside with the dust bunnies or in a location that’s unseasonably warm due to increasing climate change. It’s important to understand how this affects your dental condition to avoid developing a problem. Keep reading to learn more about 3 ways your mouth is influenced by allergies and what you can do about it!
Symptom #1: Dry Mouth
If you’ve been inhaling irritating triggers like pollen or dandruff, your immune system responds by producing antibodies that result in symptoms like itchy, watery eyes or a runny nose. This response doesn’t hurt your smile, but the associated dry mouth can! When your nose is too stuffy to breathe smoothly then you’re more likely to use your mouth which allows the moisture to evaporate. Toxic bacteria thrive in such conditions and contribute to dental dilemmas like tooth decay, gum disease, and even bad breath.
Allergy medications can help with the physical response to various triggers which is good news for your nose, but also have the side effect of dry mouth which leads to the same issues. To prevent it, drink plenty of water or keep sugar-free lozenges on hand to rinse your mouth of unwanted particles and stimulate saliva production.
Symptom #2: Toothache
Often during an allergic response, your sinus cavities fill with mucus which causes the pressure buildup and headaches that so many suffer from. Unfortunately, because the largest ones in your face (maxillary sinuses) sit above your mouth, the added pressure can press on the roots of your upper molars. You could feel tooth sensitivity to extreme temperatures, or even pain that increases when you shift positions from sitting to standing or lying down.
Certain medications can dry out your nasal passages to reduce pressure and alleviate the ache. You can also try nasal irrigation to gently clear away congestion and allergens. Whether you prefer a neti pot or a squeeze bottle, this method consists of pushing the debris out with a solution of saline water that passes through one nostril and out the other.
Symptom #3: Sore Throat
Postnasal drip down your throat carries bacteria that can cause bad breath in addition to irritating the back of your mouth. Saltwater is a fantastic natural disinfectant that can draw mucus out of your sinuses and eradicate harmful microbes. You can apply this to your throat by dissolving a tablespoon of salt into a glass of warm water, then gargle and spit it out. Do this sip by sip until your glass is empty to reduce inflammation and get some well-deserved relief.
Now that you know how to prevent oral issues during an allergy attack, you can keep your grin in top condition all season long.
About the Practice
At Columbia Healthy Smiles, patients benefit from two dentists who provide personalized care based on trust and respect. They take the time to listen to your individual concerns and needs so they can provide customized treatment options to help you reach your goals. If you’re having a toothache that won’t subside or would like a checkup, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (573) 875-7071.