- How allergies affect oral health
- Six ways to protect your oral health during allergy season
- When should I see a dentist about allergy-related oral health issues?
Here in the Yonge Eglinton area of Toronto, we are currently mired in what can sometimes seem like an endless winter. Although there are many fun outdoor activities to enjoy in our community, in the back of our heads we are silently counting down toward the arrival of spring!
Yes, spring! It is a season full of blooming flowers, warm breezes, longer days, and – for millions of Canadians – symptoms of seasonal allergies. Allergies can be an annoyance with all the sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, but they can also negatively impact teeth and gums.
However, understanding the link between allergies and oral health can help prevent discomfort and long-term damage. So take heart, allergy sufferers – this blog is for you!
How allergies affect oral health
It is bad enough that you are going through boxes of tissue during allergy season, but you must watch how it affects your teeth and gums. Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:
Dry Mouth
That dry, pasty feeling in your mouth could be directly attributable to your allergies, especially if you take antihistamines that inhibit saliva production. Saliva helps wash away trapped food particles that can lead to cavities and gum irritation, so when it is not being produced, teeth and gums can suffer.
A dry mouth also causes bad breath, which is no fun for anyone.
Seasonal allergies and tooth pain
The pressure you feel from sinus flare-ups can be very uncomfortable. If they become inflamed enough, your teeth might start to hurt. That does not necessarily mean your oral health is in trouble; the pain is actually caused by the inflamed sinuses pressing against the upper molars.
However, in the event of persistent tooth pain, you should make an appointment with your dentist to find the root cause.
Gum swelling and irritation
The post-nasal drip that allergies are famous for can lead to a sore throat and swollen tonsils. When combined with dry mouth and bacterial buildup in your mouth, these conditions can lead to swollen, sensitive gums.
The pain associated with swollen gums can make brushing difficult, potentially leaving you prone to gum irritation, gingivitis, and even gum disease.
Mouth breathing and oral health
Breathing is life! Unfortunately, plugged sinuses make it hard to breathe through the nose, so your body defaults to mouth breathing.
Breathing through your mouth can dehydrate your oral tissues and increase bacteria buildup, putting you at risk of cavities and gum disease.
Six ways to protect your oral health during allergy season
Now that we have detailed how seasonal allergies can trigger issues with your teeth and gums, let us look at six strategies to help relieve allergy symptoms so you can enjoy the coming spring free of oral health issues.
- Stay hydrated
The best way to combat dry mouth and encourage saliva production when you have allergies is to stay hydrated by drinking more water. Water will also help clean your mouth of food particles. Limit your intake of beverages such as fruit juices and sports drinks, as they contain sugar that can lead to cavities. Additionally, drinking coffee or alcohol can actually dehydrate you, making the situation worse.
- Use a humidifier
Running a humidifier at home will help keep your mouth and nasal passages from drying out. Humidifiers can also support softer skin, prevent dry eyes, keep viruses at bay, and even help with mental alertness. Aim for between 30 and 35 percent relative humidity in the winter and under 50 percent in the summer.
- Sinus pressure tooth pain relief
Decongestants such as saline rinses can provide fast relief from sinus pressure by cleansing nasal passages. These should also provide some relief from tooth pain associated with seasonal allergies.
- Breathe through your nose when possible
We understand that nasal congestion makes breathing through your nose difficult. However, it is important to do so as much as possible to help fight dry mouth and plaque buildup. Use a saline rinse or other methods to clear your nasal passages so you can breathe through your nose for as long as possible.
- Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing sugar-free gum is another great way to fight dry mouth and stimulate saliva production. Sucking on a sugar-free hard candy can also be very effective to stave off the effects of seasonal allergies on your teeth.
- Practice good oral hygiene
A good oral hygiene routine can reduce bacteria in your mouth, protect your teeth and gums, and keep your mouth clean and fresh. This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least once daily, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
When should I see a dentist about allergy-related oral health issues?
If you have any concerns about your oral health in the spring, it is best not to just dismiss them as side effects of your allergies. There might be an underlying cause that could worsen over time.
Make an appointment with your dentist if you’ve tried the above tips but are still experiencing any of the following:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Dry mouth symptoms that last beyond allergy season
- Unusually swollen or irritated gums
- Anything else with your oral health that causes you concern
At Yonge Eglinton Dental, we are always happy to welcome you into our offices for a cleaning and examination to help identify any potential issues with your teeth and gums. If we do detect an issue, we will discuss all of your options with you so you can make an informed treatment decision with confidence.
And if you suffer from allergies, our office is always stocked with plenty of tissues!
Call us today to make an appointment so you can smile proudly at the arrival of spring!
Beat tooth pain during allergy season with help from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Talk to our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
Are you concerned about visiting the dentist? Read about how we protect the health and safety of our patients and staff so your family can seek proper dental care with peace of mind.
