Did you know that your allergies can affect your oral health? If you are suffering from a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing, you may also be experiencing problems with your teeth and gums. In this blog post, we will discuss the ways in which allergies can impact oral health and offer some tips for how to combat the effects from the perspective of the best dentist in Knightdale, NC. Keep reading to learn more.
Overview of Allergies & Oral Health
Allergies can cause a number of oral health problems, including:
Dry Mouth
Allergies can cause your nose and throat to become dry, which can lead to a decrease in saliva production. Saliva is important for keeping your mouth healthy and free from bacteria. A lack of saliva can cause a number of problems. Some allergy medicine can also have dry mouth as a symptom.
Bad Breath
Did you know allergies can also give you bad breath? It’s true! When your allergies flare up, your body produces more histamine. Histamine is a chemical that helps to fight off infection, but it also makes your nose runny. This excess of histamine can also cause postnasal drip, which is when mucus drips down the back of your throat. The mucus can collect bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Next time you’re wondering why your breath smells bad, blame it on your allergies!
Tooth Decay
When there is less saliva in your mouth, there is also less protection from the acids that cause tooth decay. When your body releases histamines in response to an allergy, the increased saliva production can lead to dental erosion. The acids in your saliva mix with bacteria, which then eat away at your tooth enamel. So if you’re suffering from allergies, be sure to brush and floss regularly to protect your teeth! And if you’re really struggling, you may want to consider seeing an allergist – after all, there’s no reason to suffer from both allergies and tooth decay.
Gum Disease
A dry mouth can also lead to an increase in gum disease because it allows bacteria to build up and attack your gums. This increase in histamines can also cause your gums to become inflamed, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria and plaque buildup. Knightdale dentists see a lot of gum disease.
Gum Inflammation
If you are constantly rubbing your eyes and nose due to allergies, you may also be irritating your gums. This can cause them to become inflamed and painful. When this happens, it is important to see your dentist so they can determine the best course of treatment.
Toothaches
Allergies can also cause tooth pain or sensitivity. This is because the inflammation from allergies can irritate the nerves in your teeth. Additionally, allergies can cause inflammation in the gums, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Just the pollen irritating your sinuses can simulate tooth pain as well.
Tips for Managing Allergy Symptoms
Allergies can definitely have an impact on your oral health, but there are ways to combat the problems they cause. If you are dealing with allergies, there are a few things you can do to help manage your symptoms and keep your mouth healthy:
- Drink plenty of water: This will help to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes and nose: This will help to avoid irritating your gums.
- Use a soft toothbrush: A soft toothbrush will be less irritating to your gums.
- Use a saline rinse: A saline rinse can help to soothe your throat and reduce irritation.
- Avoid eating trigger foods: If you know that certain foods make your allergies worse, try to avoid them.
- Use a lip balm or moisturizer to keep your lips from drying out.
- Talk to your dentist: If you are having trouble managing your allergy symptoms, talk to your dentist. They may be able to offer additional tips or recommend a mouthwash that can help.
- See your doctor: If your allergies are severe, you may need to see a doctor for additional treatment.
Final Thoughts
If you have allergies, it is important to take steps to protect your oral health. Allergies can cause dry mouth, which can lead to tooth decay and other problems. Follow these tips to help keep your mouth healthy during allergy season.
Do you have any tips for dealing with allergies? Let us know in the comments! If you are experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, be sure to schedule an appointment with us. Knightdale dentists know what they are doing. We will be able to help you find relief and get your mouth back to being healthy and happy. And with the Easter Bunny coming by, make sure to brush your teeth and drink water right after eating your sweets.