Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? If so, don’t forget to let your dentist know – there’s a strong connection between allergy season and our oral health! While not everyone experiences the same symptoms, allergies can have an impact on your teeth, gums, and mouth. From dryness to changes in taste to increased sensitivity and more, it’s important for dental patients with allergies to be aware of their unique needs during this time of year. In this blog post we’ll explore the link between seasonal allergies and oral health. We’ll also look at how actively caring for your well-being throughout the pollen season could help keep some potentially uncomfortable problems at bay—so let’s dive in!
What are seasonal allergies?
When the spring and summer months arrive, we often experience bright days and pleasant weather. Unfortunately, with warmer temperatures can come a few downsides, like seasonal allergies! But what are seasonal allergies? To put it simply, seasonal allergies occur when your immune system has an adverse reaction to certain substances found in the environment during certain seasons – hence why it’s called a “seasonal” allergy. The most common culprit of seasonal allergies is pollen from plants, however mold spores, dust mites, and animal dander can also trigger seasonal allergies.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that as many as 50 million Americans are affected by seasonal allergies every year. Common signs of allergies from pollen or other allergens include:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
Aside from these symptoms, oral health can also be affected by allergies since inflammation of the nose and throat can lead to overly dry mouth which can cause cavities or gum disease if saliva flow is disrupted for too long. If you think you have severe seasonal allergies that are affecting your oral health habits or if you find yourself experiencing a lot of common signs – don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare professional for expert advice!
How Allergies Affect Oral Health
Seasonal allergies can have a major impact on your oral health, causing common issues such as bad breath, dry mouth and even tooth pain! Let’s take a closer look at these oral health issues:
Dry Mouth
Saliva is important because it helps to keep our mouths clean and healthy by washing away food particles, neutralizing acids produced by bacteria, and regulating bacterial levels. Unfortunately, dry mouth is another common symptom of seasonal allergies. Dry mouth can occur as a result of breathing through the mouth due to nasal congestion, as well as from taking antihistamine medications that decrease saliva production. In any case, dry mouth increases the risk of both tooth decay and gum disease.
Bad Breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is caused by a buildup of bacteria in your mouth. Not having enough saliva in the mouth can lead to bad breath, since this allows bacteria to accumulate. Allergies can also cause postnasal drip, which then leads to bad breath by irritating the throat and trapping bacteria.
Tooth Pain
Seasonal allergies also cause tooth pain and sensitivity. This is because the maxillary sinuses fill with mucus and become inflamed during allergy season. This inflammation causes pain and pressure in the sinus cavity that pushes down on the tooth roots, especially those in the upper jaw. As a result, you may experience toothaches and/or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods and beverages. However, it is important to see your dentist to determine the exact cause of your tooth pain.
Advice on how to best manage seasonal allergies and maintain good oral health
Allergies are a common health concern experienced by many people. It is important to practice good oral hygiene during allergy season in order to keep your mouth healthy. Here are some tips on how to manage seasonal allergies and maintain good oral health:
1. Drink plenty of fluids – This will help to keep your mouth clean and prevent dry mouth. Drinking water is especially important if you are taking antihistamine medications that are known to cause dry mouth.
2. Use a humidifier – A humidifier can help to add moisture to the air and reduce nasal congestion. Reducing nasal congestion prevents mouth breathing, which reduces the likelihood of dry mouth. Just be sure to clean it regularly to prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
3. Brush and floss regularly – Brushing and flossing help to remove food particles which can cause bad breath, as well as plaque that can lead to cavities and gum disease.
4. Stimulate saliva production – Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a hard candy can help to stimulate saliva production and reduce dry mouth. You should also avoid drinking alcohol or using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, since they can impair saliva production.
5. Visit your dentist for regular checkups – Regular checkups with your dentist can help to detect any dental issues caused by seasonal allergies and prevent them from becoming more serious.
By following these tips, you can manage your seasonal allergies and maintain good oral health during allergy season!
In Conclusion
Seasonal allergies are a common issue that can cause nasal congestion, headaches, and fatigue. If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you might not realize that your oral health can be affected, too. Allergies can cause bad breath, dry mouth, and tooth pain. That’s why it’s important to let your dentist know if you suffer from allergies. They can help you to manage your allergies and maintain good oral health.
