Spring is here and it is a season that we love! Birdsong, flowers, and warmer weather are just some of the things we look forward to when spring arrives. However, we have to admit that there is one thing about the season that is not particularly appealing, and that is allergies.

Be aware of potential dental side effects during allergy season

Many of you have experienced it: red, itchy, watery eyes and constant sneezing and congestion. However, the effects of seasonal allergies can go further and can even affect your oral health. Here are some mouth-related symptoms to look out for when seasonal allergies hit.

Toothache

When your body reacts to allergens in the air, you often end up with congested sinuses. Sinus pressure in the maxillary sinuses can sometimes cause pain in the upper molars. Treating your allergies and congestion should ease your toothache. However, if the pain persists, see your dentist. It is important to make sure that sore teeth are not the result of tooth decay.

Bad breath

All that mucus your body is creating can also be bad news for your breath. When congested, mucus from the sinuses leaks into the back of the throat; we call this “postnasal drip.” Postnasal drip can not only lead to a sore throat, but it can also be the cause of persistent bad breath.

Dry mouth

Many of you will be reaching for antihistamines to keep your allergies in check this spring. As useful as they are, they can often cause an unpleasant side effect: dry mouth. Saliva is our number one defense against cavity-causing bacteria, so when your mouth is dry, you are at greater risk of developing cavities.

Protect your mouth this spring

We want your mouth to stay healthy, even during allergy season. Here are some helpful tips to help you protect your mouth this spring:

• Please continue to practice good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day and floss every day!
• Take the allergy medicines recommended by your doctor, but remember to drink plenty of water to compensate for a dry mouth.
• Try gargling with salt water to help with congestion. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and gargle for a few seconds before
  to spit it out

To get a deeper look at what causes those pesky allergies and what you can do to avoid them, come visit us.

We know how difficult springtime can be for some of our patients due to allergies.
Please continue to maintain good oral hygiene and give us a call if you need anything!
We’re here to help you get through allergy season with a smile.