Sneezing, sore throats, and sinus pressure are just a few of the irritating byproducts of seasonal allergies. As if that wasn’t bad enough, such allergies can also wreak havoc on your oral health.
Seasonal allergy sufferers are particularly vulnerable to dry mouth, bad breath, toothaches, post-nasal drips, and cavities. Consequently, you need to take extra steps to protect your oral health during allergy season. Fortunately, your Mississauga dentist can help.
1. Dry mouth
Dry mouth might not seem like a major issue, but don’t be fooled—it can be extremely problematic for your oral health! A dry mouth is the perfect haven for oral bacteria, promoting bacterial overgrowth and spurring the onset of tooth decay.
Seasonal allergies commonly cause dry mouth (technically called xerostomia). When your nose is stuffed from allergies, you’re forced to breathe through your mouth instead. This dries out your mouth and lowers saliva production.
Dry mouth can also be brought on by taking antihistamines. These medications may help control your allergy symptoms but can also reduce saliva flow.
2. Tooth pain and sensitivity
Many things can make your teeth hurt—and most of them are not good! Cavities, cracks, and even over-brushing are all common causes of toothaches that require urgent attention.
So, if you begin to notice that your teeth are aching this spring, your first reaction may be panic or concern. Before calling your emergency dentist in Toronto, pay close attention to your sinuses. Sinus pressure can actually increase tooth sensitivity, so much so that you may experience tooth pain!
To combat the clouds of pollen and dust typical of spring and fall, your body’s immune system ramps up mucus production. Your sinuses also swell, which prevents the mucus from draining and causes more inflammation and swelling. As a result, you experience sinus pressure.
The largest sinuses in your face are the maxillary sinuses. These are located above your mouth and directly above your upper molars. When the maxillary sinuses become irritated, inflamed, and swollen, they push down on the roots of your upper molars, resulting in throbbing, aching toothaches. This pain can shift as you sit, stand, or lie down.
Although these toothaches are alarming, they should be temporary. Any tooth pain should dissipate once the sinus pressure dissipates.
3. Post-nasal drip
Most allergy sufferers are familiar with the particular discomfort that is the post-nasal drip. This is a common allergy symptom in which excess mucus drains from the nasal passages down the back of the throat. It can cause congestion, a sore throat, swollen tonsils, and oral health issues.
More mucus tends to lead to more bacteria. Bacteria thrives in these conditions. Consequently, you’re more likely to develop bad breath, tooth decay, and oral infections.
The constant exposure to flowing mucus can lead to gum irritation and inflammation. Dry mouth and bacterial buildup, two common side effects of seasonal allergies, also make life tough for your gums.
When your gums are swollen and sore, brushing your teeth becomes uncomfortable. Your oral hygiene habits may slip, or you may start avoiding brushing altogether because of gum irritation. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
4. Bad breath
Halitosis, more commonly and simply known as bad breath, is a common complaint among allergy sufferers.
Bad breath is a result of oral bacterial overgrowth. This is frequently caused by poor oral hygiene. However, seasonal allergies are another potential culprit. Post-nasal drip, dry mouth, and sinus infections can all create unpleasant odours because of bacterial buildup.
5. Tooth decay
The effects of seasonal allergies increase your risk of developing tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by excessive oral bacteria that eats away at the protective tooth enamel, resulting in tiny holes exposing the tooth’s inner layers.
Bacterial overgrowth can be brought on by dry mouth, post-nasal drips, and increased mucus flow, typical of seasonal allergies.
What to Do When Experiencing Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are unpleasant and can be harmful to your oral health. So, how can you find relief while protecting your teeth and gums? Your Mississauga dentist explains:
- Stay hydrated. One of the easiest ways to improve your overall oral health throughout the year is simply to drink more water. Drinking water rinses your mouth and washes away oral bacteria, which helps to combat tooth decay and bad breath. It also helps your body flush excess mucus. Additionally, staying hydrated supports essential saliva production. This keeps the mouth moist and combats bacterial overgrowth.
- Gargle with salt water. By gargling with salt water, you can relieve sinus pressure and combat harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat. You may experience relief from sinus-related tooth pain and bad breath, while fighting plaque buildup and tooth decay.
- Treat your allergies. Maintaining oral health throughout allergy season often requires a few extra steps. By treating your allergies appropriately, you’re also keeping your mouth healthy. Taking antihistamines helps combat mucus buildup and sinus pressure, which can cause bad breath, post-nasal drips, and sharp toothaches. However, antihistamines can also dry out your mouth, so make sure you’re drinking ample water. If you suffer from extreme allergies, consider talking to your doctor about prescription medication.
- Stick to your oral hygiene routine. It’s very important to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene regime, especially when you feel under the weather with seasonal allergies. Allergies can heighten your risk of oral health issues because of increased mucus, bacterial overgrowth, and reduced saliva production. Therefore, you must continue brushing twice per day, flossing once daily, and drinking plenty of water.
Get Help From Your Mississauga Dentist!
Your dentist at Casa Dental is here to help. We’re committed to safeguarding your long-term oral health, including helping you deal with allergy-related oral health issues.
If you struggle with seasonal allergies, please ask us for advice at your next routine appointment. Our dental team can offer useful tips, on top of providing the highest standard of professional dental care.
Contact Casa Dental for a Dental Clinic in Mississauga
Casa Dental cares for the oral health of your entire family. We are dedicated to providing the best possible dental care in a warm and welcoming dental clinic environment, so there’s no reason to fear visiting the dentist.
Our entire team is friendly, compassionate, and committed to keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life. Whether you’re suffering from seasonal allergies or it’s simply time for your next professional dental cleaning, Casa Dental is here.
To book an appointment in Toronto, call Casa Dental at 888-920-5324 or contact us here. For a dentist in Mississauga, you can call us at 888-270-8793.
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