Spring is in the air! The spring season offers great pleasures like longer days, chirping birds, blooming flowers and buzzing bees. For some, however, spring offers more dread than joy. Days are filled with itchy eyes, leaky nose, congestion and sore throat. Seasonal allergies not only affect your mood and immune system; it can also cause havoc to your dental health. Here are some dental related symptoms to look out for when seasonal allergies hit.
1. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is very common during allergy season. You tend to breathe through your mouth when congested and this can cause your mouth to dry easily. Another cause of dry mouth are antihistamine medications. Dry mouth means less saliva production in your mouth and less saliva results in a higher chance of plaque and bacterial build up. Saliva is referred to as the ‘bloodstream of the mouth’ since it plays an important role in oral health. Saliva washes away plaque, bacteria and food particles trapped between and around teeth.
2. Toothache
One of the worst symptom of allergies is sinus pressure. Mucus, a by product of allergens, fill sinus cavities around the face. The maxillary sinus, the largest sinus cavity, is found above the mouth. As pressure builds here due to allergies, pressure is also placed on the upper molars. As a result, you may start feeling pain and/or sensitivities to hot and cold around the teeth. Consult with Dr. Jivan to make sure it is allergy related and not a serious underlying tooth problem.
3. Sore Throat
Anyone that suffers from seasonal allergies is all too familiar with the unpleasant sore throat caused by postnasal drip. Postnasal drip is the mucus that drains from the sinus cavity to the back of your throat. The increase of bacteria will cause a sore throat and bad breath!
Follow these simple and effective steps to help minimize allergy symptoms.
1. Drink Plenty of water.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water or more to help alleviate dry mouth. It can also help your body flush away nasty mucus.
2. Gargle with warm salt water.
This age old remedy is very effective in eliminating harmful bacteria in the mouth and throat, which in turn helps with bad breath and plaque build-up. Gargling with warm salt water can also relieve sinus pressure symptoms by drawing mucus out of sinus cavities. Dissolve 1 tablespoon of salt in 8oz of warm water.
3. Brush and Floss regularly.
When experiencing dry mouth or any other allergy symptoms, it is extremely important to maintain good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to rid bad bacteria and fight bad breath
4. Consult with Dr. Jivan.
If you continue to experience discomfort in your mouth, consult with Dr. Jivan. He can help determine if your discomfort is allergy-related or an infected tooth.
