You’ve likely heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers.” While the spring season ushers in warmer temperatures and lots of pretty flowers and green leaves, those aren’t the only things it involves. If you’re like millions of others, for you, Spring can mean struggling with terrible allergies. You know they can make you feel rotten, but did you also know that allergies can have a very negative effect on your oral health? Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Allergies Affect Your Oral Health?
When it comes to pollen, you may have really bad reactions like a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and plenty of other allergic issues. Here are some of the negative impacts bad allergies can have on your oral health:
Tooth Pain from Sinusitis
One of the most common issues that people with bad pollen allergies suffer from is sinusitis. It is essentially a fancy name for extremely severe nasal congestion. Your sinuses surround your teeth, and when they are extremely clogged, you may feel pressure behind your eyes but also on your teeth. It can actually cause physical pain to the teeth if not relieved.
Accumulation of Oral Bacteria Due to Mouth Breathing
There have probably been at least one or two times during your life when your nose has been so stopped up that you had to resort to breathing out of your mouth. In addition to limiting your oxygen intake, this can also cause dry mouth which is very bad for your teeth, especially if it happens over an extended period of time. Without adequate amounts of saliva to rinse the bacteria and plaque away, your teeth and gums can become more susceptible to decay and infection.
Severe Sore Throat
This may be less related to your actual mouth, but your throat is still considered a part of your oral makeup. Sinus drainage, as a result of allergies, can cause severe soreness in the throat and make you quite miserable when the pollen count is especially high.
Bad Diet Choices
You may not have considered this, but being ill with a stuffy nose can cause you to lose your sense of taste until it clears up. Without realizing it, many people will seek to eat foods that make them feel comfortable when they aren’t able to taste well. Unfortunately, these foods are often high in dairy or carbohydrates, both of which can increase the bacteria in your teeth and lead to heavier plaque build-up when consumed in excess.
The good news is, you don’t have to dread the spring season and the oral issues that can come with it. There are plenty of medications you can take to help keep your sinuses clear, but it’s also important to talk to your dentist about ways you can protect your oral health as well if you do find yourself dealing with bad allergies.
About the Author
If You’re searching for compassionate dental care where you can receive the highest level of treatment in a place you feel right at home, then look no further than Dr. Rodger Song. He believes that the best dental health comes from educating his patients about the best ways they can care for their teeth and gums. He brings years of experience and training to the office with him each day, and he and his team can’t wait to help you keep your smile healthy. Are you ready to schedule your next dental checkup? Request an appointment online or call (972) 906-9797.