You would not expect allergies to have effects on your teeth yet, but they can affect your dental health in certain ways. According to a family dentist in Little Elm, many people are unaware of how allergy symptoms, such as nasal congestion and dry mouth, can influence their oral health. Headaches due to sinus pressure, dryness of the mouth, and reactions to medications used to treat allergies also present dental sensitivity issues that are vital for people with allergies to understand.
How does dry mouth occasioned by allergies affect the teeth?
Mouth breathing results from nasal congestion that is as a result of allergies. Stomach breathing particularly for an extended period leaves the mouth dry, reducing saliva production. Saliva is very vital because it helps to reduce acidity levels as well as help remove food debris from one’s mouth.
A lack of saliva also makes it more difficult to regularly clean the teeth, which, in turn, increases the danger of cavities and gum illness. Staying adequately hydrated and speaking to a doctor about issues related to dry mouth will assist in avoiding these consequences during allergy season.
How effective are allergy medications on dental health?
Some of the drugs that may cause dry-mouth side effects include most over-the-counter allergy medications like antihistamines and decongestants. These medications give allergy relief but its side effect is dryness of the mouth and could lead to dental problems if preventive measures against cavities are not considered.
To neutralize this, people can engage in other measures that will help to redesign the mouth with more regular saliva production such as using mouthwash that is made specifically for dry mouth and chewing on sugarless gum.
Do Allergies Cause Sensitivity in the Gums?
This is true because seasonal allergies make some people’s gums become sensitive. Allergies can cause inflammation that extends to the gum line and makes gums softer and sensitive enough to bleed when brushed or flossed.
This sensitivity may also be heightened because of the effect of dry mouth on the shields of saliva on the tissues of the gum. As with any other period in any person’s life, gentle cleaning inside the mouth and reasonable care for any new changes in gum conditions can avoid a lot of issues during the allergic season.
How Do You Get Sinus Headache Symptoms that Impersonate Dental Aches?
In particular, allergy season is accompanied by inflammation and pressure in the nasal sinuses. The position of the sinuses that border the upper teeth can sometimes make someone feel that they have a teeth-related problem or toothache because of sinus pressure.
It can be quite puzzling, especially to those who go through this feeling, they will think that they have a dental problem but it is actually an allergy. It is necessary to understand sinus pain and actual toothache in order to prevent receiving unneeded treatment. If patients feel pain continuously, they should visit both the dentist and an appropriate medical practitioner to reveal the underlying problem.
Conclusion
Dental health can be affected by seasonal changes, not only in a direct manner but indirectly as well. From dry mouth, which is a side effect of different medications, and mouth breathing to sinus pressure and pain resembling a toothache, knowing these relations will allow families to prevent many oral health issues during allergy season. General hygiene, availability of clean and safe water for drinking, and proper consultation when the situation gets out of hand make your family’s dental health to remain okay even during allergy seasons.