24 May Allergies and Dental Health in Prescott
Allergy season brings sinus problems, sneezing, itchy, watery eyes, and other symptoms that can make you feel miserable. But did you know that allergies can also affect your teeth? As a holistic dental practice, our staff at Prescott Dentistry cares about how your overall health affects your mouth. That’s why we think it’s important to let you know about the connection between allergies and dental health. Here’s what to look out for and how to protect your mouth during allergy season.
Tooth pain
Sinus pain is a common symptom of allergies. The sinuses fill up with mucus, causing aches and pains in your face. When the maxillary sinuses (the largest sinuses located above your mouth) fill with mucus, this can put pressure on the roots of your upper molars. You may experience sensitivity to hot and cold or notice pain that moves as you change positions. If your toothache goes away after taking antihistamines, the pain is likely caused by allergies. But if you experience relief from your allergy symptoms and you still have tooth pain, talk to your dentist, as it may be caused by tooth decay.
Dry mouth
When you have allergies, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth because your nose is probably stuffy. Additionally, many antihistamines cause dry mouth issues. Having a dry mouth increases your chances of developing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Since saliva helps wash away harmful bacteria, a dry mouth allows cavity-causing bacteria to multiply.
What to do
Follow these tips to keep your dental health in check during allergy season:
- Stay hydrated — Not only can drinking lots of water help to prevent dry mouth, it can also help your body flush away excess mucus.
- Gargle with salt water — Dissolve a tablespoon of salt water in a glass of warm water. Gargle and spit until all the water is gone. The salt can help draw mucus out of your sinuses. It also cuts down on harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat, controlling bad breath and plaque.
- Treat your allergies — Controlling your allergies can help reduce their impact on your mouth. In addition to traditional methods of treating allergies (antihistamines and allergy shots), there are also a number of holistic options such as supplements, acupuncture, and dietary changes. Be sure to talk with your doctor before making any of these changes.
- Keep up with your regular oral care routine— Regular brushing and flossing are especially important when you’re experiencing a dry mouth from allergies. Make sure you’re brushing twice and flossing at least once a day.
It is important to continue going to your scheduled dental appointments with us here at Prescott Dentistry. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, let us know. We can help you figure out if there’s a connection between your allergies and dental health. Your oral health is our top priority, and together we can come up with a plan to keep your mouth healthy and pain-free throughout allergy season.
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