Allergies and Your Oral Health

Allergy season this year has been a tough one. While our past winter season was wet and soggy, we now suffer from little rain to wash the dreaded pollen away. Allergies are miserable to suffer through, yet while you are unsuccessfully trying to breathe through your nose, stifle the sniffles, and keep from rubbing your eyes, you also need to understand how allergies affect your oral health.

The first thing you must do during allergy season is to maintain proper oral care at home. We understand that flossing and brushing may be the last thing on your mind when you are suffering from severe allergies, but neglecting your oral health during this time can exacerbate adverse effects on your mouth. Below are the most common oral health issues induced by allergies and what you can do about them.

Dry Mouth

Saliva is probably the most overlooked aspect of oral health, yet it plays a significant role in keeping your mouth healthy. Saliva helps wash away millions of bacteria that linger inside your mouth each day. A dry mouth is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and it also allows these bacteria to attach to your teeth easily. When bacteria-laden plaque hardens into tartar, tooth decay and gum disease can quickly occur. It is imperative that you drink an adequate amount of water to stay hydrated. You should drink more than eight 8-oz glasses of water when you suffer from allergies to combat dry mouth.

Tooth Pain

A symptom of allergies that often causes people to worry is pain in their upper teeth. Of course, if you have severe pain, you should always see your dentist immediately. However, many allergy sufferers experience pressure from their sinuses that causes their upper molars to feel sore. Lying flat on your back can reduce the amount of pressure and alleviate uncomfortable pressure on your teeth.

Sore Throat

During allergy season, most people suffer from postnasal drip. Combined with dry mouth, the back of the throat can become irritated and very sore. Drinking cold water can help soothe your throat and also help keep you hydrated. Sucking on throat lozenges can also decrease your pain.

Posted on Behalf of Feather Touch Dental Care