Flowers are blooming, which means allergy season is here. As you spend more time outdoors, pollen can leave your eyes watering, nose stuffy, and throat sore. Your symptoms and the remedies you use to manage them can affect your dental health negatively. You don’t have to worry about hearing any bad news during your next dental checkup. Here’s how you can safeguard your smile from allergy season.
Tooth Pain from Sinus Inflammation
Believe it or not, allergies can cause toothaches. Inflammation in your maxillary sinuses can put pressure on your tooth roots and the nerves surrounding them. This can make your teeth ache. Treating sinus inflammation can stop your pain.
Stuffy Nose and Dry Mouth
Nasal inflammation and a runny nose are common symptoms of seasonal allergies. If you must breathe through your mouth, it can cause it to dry out. A dry mouth is a great environment for oral bacteria growth that can increase your risk of cavities and gum disease.
Postnasal Drip and Sore Throats
Postnasal drip is a common occurrence when battling allergies, which can make your throat sore. Throat lozenges are a great way to soothe the irritation, but many contain sugar. However, they bathe your teeth in cavity-causing residue because you must hold them in your mouth for several minutes to allow them to dissolve.
Protect Your Smile from Allergy Season
Managing your allergies and keeping your dental health in mind will help you get through the season without harming your oral health, and here’s how:
- Antihistamines: Take an antihistamine to reduce your allergy symptoms. It can stop nasal congestion, runny eyes, and other issues.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, which will allow proper saliva production to keep your mouth moist. This will prevent an overgrowth of oral bacteria.
- Sugar-Free Throat Lozenges: Choose sugar-free throat lozenges and allergy medications.
- Brush and Floss: Allergy season isn’t a time to let your oral hygiene habits slide. Commit to brushing your teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day, if not after every meal. Floss your teeth daily to remove any food residue and plaque your toothbrush can’t reach.
You can survive allergy season without damaging your pearly whites. Don’t forget to schedule your semi-annual cleaning and checkup.
About Dr. Lewis
Dr. Lewis achieved her dental degree at the Howard University College of Dentistry and has continued her education in various specialties, like Invisalign and laser dentistry. She is a proud member of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry. Request an appointment through her website or call her office at (972) 435-7384.