Seasonal Allergies May Be Affecting Your Oral Health
The beautiful tree and flower blossoms bring with it the allergy season. Sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and itchy eyes can also impact your teeth and gums. Sinus pain from hay fever is telling you that your immune system is fighting pollen and dust. The antihistamine medication you take for allergies can also relieve tooth pain that is related to allergies.
In case you hadn’t noticed, allergy season is in full bloom. Sinus pressure from hay fever and spring wind affects more than your allergies. A sudden toothache might be caused by seasonal allergies. Painful sinuses are a common indicator that your immune system is trying to protect you from the attack of pollen and dust blowing in the wind. Over the counter antihistamines can relieve allergy pain and a toothache that is related to allergies. If the tooth pain persists for more than a few days, it’s time to make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS to get to the “root” of the problem.
Allergy Related Tooth Pain
Tooth Pain Can Increase from Sinus Inflammation Due to Seasonal Allergies
- Symptoms are often located in the upper molars, near your sinuses. The root tips of your upper molars can lead to uncomfortable pressure in your face and head. This pressure builds and carries over to the roots of your teeth, making your tooth feel like the culprit.
- Congestion in your sinuses from seasonal allergies creates mucus buildup, which plugs the sinuses, inflaming your upper molars. This is usually what causes your allergy related toothaches.
- Allergies can lead to increased sensitivity to cold and heat in the teeth.
- An allergy related toothache will shift when you sit, stand, or lie down.
If you have been feeling toothache symptoms, such as sensitivity to heat and cold or tapping, throbbing sensations or pain when biting, these symptoms may just be duplicating an infected tooth, when sinus pressure is the root of the problem.
If the symptoms persist, it’s important to make sure you don’t have a more serious problem, such as a tooth infection, gingivitis, or cavities. Make an appointment to see Dr. Evanson to be on the safe side.
Dry Mouth
Many people with allergies suffer from dry mouth due to medications used to treat the allergies. Dry mouth and seasonal allergies often go hand in hand. This condition increases your chances of developing cavities, gum disease and bad breath. The lack of saliva is the perfect breeding ground for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply. Be vigilant and stay hydrated to help alleviate this symptom.
Dry Throat
A dry throat is common during allergy season. When plants release their pollen, you suffer from postnasal drip when the body produces extra mucus to rid your system of the pollen spores. Most postnasal drip clears up on its own, but problems can arise if left untreated. There is a chance for infection due to excess mucus that can block the sinuses or Eustachian tube. Sudafed or other over-the-counter decongestants can help dry out the mucus.
Eliminate Allergy Related Tooth Pain
- Stay hydrated to help your body flush away the excess mucus build-up in your sinuses.
- Gargle with salt water to cut down on harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat.
- Avoid known triggers; trees, grasses and flowers that make you sneeze.
Allergy Related Dental Pain is Not Something You Have to Live With
If your toothache continues for more than a few days, make an appointment with Dr. Evanson by calling (720) 409-0008. She can determine whether your tooth pain is allergy-related or caused by other problems.
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