Do Allergies Negatively Affect Your Oral Health?

While some people hear of spring and think of flowers blooming, you might simply see it as the season of allergies. Hopefully you’ve already stocked up on certain medications and tissues to handle your symptoms this month. However, you might want to consider your oral health as well. Allergies can do much more than cause you to sneeze, as you may end up experiencing complications in your mouth that you might not know about. Keep reading to learn how your oral health can be impacted by your symptoms and tips for maintaining a clean and healthy smile during springtime.

How Allergies Impact Oral Health

You might think allergies only really affect your sinuses, but they can also contribute to certain issues in your mouth that can lead to further problems later on. Some of the more prominent complications you can experience involve:

• Dry mouth: If your nose feels stuffy, you’ll likely find it difficult to breathe comfortably, especially whenever you’re practicing physical activity. This can cause you to start breathing through your mouth, causing it to get too dry and allowing bacteria to easily settle in. A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath.
• Tooth discomfort: Sinus discomfort is one of the more common signs of allergies since the sinus cavity can become filled with mucus. This can end up spreading aches and discomfort throughout your face and mouth, as the cavity is right next to it. The membrane can start to push down on your roots, resulting in sensitive teeth.
• Sore throat: If you typically experience post-nasal drip whenever you have allergies, the mucus can easily result in a sore throat and/or bad breath.

Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health During Spring

Although seasonal allergies can be annoying to deal with, there are ways you can minimize your chances of developing problems in your oral health during springtime. Some tips to follow include:

• Drinking lots of water to avoid dry mouth and wash out any lingering bacteria.
• Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once a day (or after meals).
• Gargling salt water to fight off bacteria and draw out any mucus in your sinuses.
• Scheduling dental checkups and cleanings every six months, or if you start experiencing oral health issues.

Spring allergies don’t always have to get the best of your or your smile. Consider practicing these tips and consult your dentist so that you can preserve a clean and healthy mouth this month and beyond!

About the Author

Dr. CJ Stec is passionate about going the extra mile to ensure your oral health stays in great shape. He studied at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and is also a member of both the American Dental Association and the Nebraska Dental Association. If you’re experiencing oral health issues that might be related to allergies, feel free to visit our website or call our office at 308-382-4440.