How Seasonal Allergies Can Affect Your Dental Health 

Is there a link between seasonal allergies and your dental health? If you are someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, it’s important to let your dentist know. Here are the ways that they could affect your dental health. 

Seasonal Allergies

The main way that seasonal allergies affect your dental health is through your sinuses. When you have a cold or the flu, your sinuses can become congested and this can lead to a buildup of bacteria. If you are someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, your sinuses are likely always congested which means that the bacteria has nowhere to go. 

When this happens, it can lead to the development of sinusitis which is a very common illness that affects your nasal passages. If you are someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, you should be sure to let your dentist know so they can determine if you have developed sinusitis. When bacteria builds up in your nose and sinuses, it can lead to dental health problems.

How Seasonal Allergies Affect Dental Health

The University of Kentucky explains that allergies can be a catalyst for many dental issues, including dry mouth. In general, you are more inclined to breathe through your mouth when dealing with a stuffy, congested nose. However, dry mouth can also occur as a side effect of many antihistamines. Not only is a dry mouth uncomfortable, it is the perfect environment for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply. Why does this occur? This happens because saliva plays a big part in helping wash away leftover food and plaque from the teeth. When you don’t produce enough saliva, it can leave the teeth at risk for bad breath, cavities, and even gingivitis. 

Other Dental Health Problems

Additionally, the University of Kentucky goes on to explain that stuffy sinuses lead to facial pain. However, they can cause tooth pain as well. The sinuses are lined with sensitive mucus membranes that are painful when inflamed. When pressure builds in the maxillary sinuses (the largest sinuses surrounding the nasal cavity), they can push down on the roots of the upper molars. This can cause pain when eating, sensitivity to hot and cold, and even a throbbing sensation. If tooth pain persists after taking antihistamines, or occurs somewhere other than your upper molars, talk to your dentist — decay could be the underlying cause. 

Protecting Your Teeth Against Allergies

Clearly, seasonal allergies can have a significant impact on your dental health. However, there are ways to protect your teeth. The first step is to let your dentist know about your allergies and be sure to mention if you’ve been experiencing any sinus-related problems. If excess bacteria accumulates in the mouth because of allergies or another illness, your dentist may recommend antibiotic treatment to clear it up. They may also suggest using a WaterPik to help flush out the bacteria. Finally, they may recommend taking over-the-counter antihistamines to help alleviate sinus pressure that can lead to tooth pain or sensitive teeth.

Seasonal allergies are unpleasant for many people, but it’s important that you let your dentist know if you’re among that population. By doing so, you can help protect your teeth from the many ways that allergies can affect them.

Good Oral Hygiene Routines

It is also important to keep up with your oral hygiene routine. The CDC lists that a good oral hygiene routine should include:

• Drink fluoridated water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush teeth thoroughly twice a day and floss daily between the teeth to remove dental plaque.
• Visit your dentist twice a year, no matter your dental health.
• Do not use any tobacco products. If you smoke, quit.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• If your medication causes dry mouth, ask your doctor for a different medication that may not cause this condition. If dry mouth cannot be avoided, drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, and avoid tobacco products and alcohol.
• See your doctor or a dentist if you have any sudden changes in your mouth.
• When acting as a caregiver, help older individuals brush and floss their teeth if they are not able to perform these activities independently.

Make an Appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental

If you are experiencing any of these dental health problems because of allergies, make an appointment with Stonebrook Family Dental. We will work to resolve them quickly and remedy your concerns. If you have questions or would like more information about how allergies can affect your dental health, contact our office today by calling us at: (303) 872-7907.