How to Combat the Negative Effects of Allergies on Your Oral Health

When you think of allergy season, what comes to mind? If you’re like most people, you think of the misery that pollen brings: sneezing, watery eyes, sinus congestion, and feeling “under the weather” for weeks on end. At ConfiDENT, we get it. Many of our dental staff members suffer from allergies, and we know the impact that allergy symptoms can have on your daily life.

Many people do not give a lot of thought to how allergy season affects their oral health. Do you know that allergy symptoms and medications can wreak havoc on your entire mouth? As if the symptoms themselves were not enough, you need to understand how allergies can cause harmful effects on your oral health so that you can combat them.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is probably the most undervalued aspect of oral health. Saliva is necessary for helping food travel easily down your esophagus and keeping your mouth moist. When the mouth is dry, it is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. Millions of bacteria call your mouth their home, yet saliva helps wash them away every few minutes. However, one of the main complaints of allergies is nasal congestion. When your nose is stopped up, you will rely on breathing through your mouth. Mouth breathing can exasperate dry mouth, leading to a build-up of bacteria that cling to your teeth. It is essential that you are drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day to keep your mouth moist.

Sore Throat

Along with nasal congestion comes postnasal drip. As mucus slides down the back of your throat, it will cause irritation and soreness to develop. Drinking water is good for combating sore throat as it will coat the throat with a cool, wet substance. You can also gargle with salt water to help draw out mucus from the back of the throat so it does not linger and cause soreness.

Tooth Pain

As the sinuses fill with mucus, they will cause pressure on your face. Many people complain of tooth pain during allergy season, and it is caused by the sinus pressure that presses down on the upper teeth. Lying flat on your back can reduce the pressure on your teeth and help you feel better.

Contact ConfiDENT to keep your smile healthy during allergy season.