As the leaves begin to fall, fall allergies are alternatively on the rise. Did you know that seasonal allergies can have a surprising impact on oral health? Here are some ways they can affect you, with ways to mitigate their problems.
Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Dry Mouth and Throat? How Fall Allergies Affect Your Oral Health
Seasonal allergies can affect you in more ways than you’d suspect. Here’s how to combat these common symptoms from fall allergies.
Dry Mouth
When you’re congested from allergies, you tend to breathe through your mouth more frequently than through your nose. This can dry out your mouth which will reduce saliva production. Since saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria, this can lead to an increased risk of cavities, bad breath, and gum disease.
One way to combat this is to drink more water. You can also use a humidifier to keep moisture in your air at home.
Tooth Pain or Sensitivity
It’s common for sinus pressure to give you pain that feels like a toothache. This is even more common in the upper teeth, as they’re close to your sinuses. When this happens, you’ll want to find a way to relieve sinus pressure. You can do this by taking antihistamines or nasal decongestants. However, if tooth pain or sensitivity still persists, it’s a good idea to visit the dentist to rule out any other underlying dental problems.
Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Post-nasal drip is unfortunately a common allergy symptom. This can create a build-up of mucus in your throat and mouth, which feeds bacteria and leads to bad breath.
To combat this, we recommend rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash regularly. It’s also helpful to brush your tongue to prevent bacteria build-up.
Imbalanced Oral Environment
When you have dry mouth or nasal drip from allergies, it can increase the risk of oral infections due to an imbalanced mouth environment. These can include gingivitis or thrush. To avoid this, pay extra attention when brushing your teeth and flossing.
Inflamed Gums
Sometimes allergic reactions include inflammation in other parts of your body, including your gums. Inflammation can be lowered through allergy medications, and it’s helpful to use a soft-bristled toothbrush so you can avoid irritating your gums further.
About Krengel Dental
At Krengel Dental, we’re not your average dentist. We do everything we can to help your smile shine. If you’re looking for a dentist in the Twin Cities, we would love to help you at one of our metro locations. Visit our contact page to book an appointment with us.
