April brings more rain and other weather changes, but it’s not the only change you can expect. Allergy season begins in April too, which means as you’re buying medications and tissues for the family to deal with the increased levels of pollen in the air, you’ll want to purchase oral care products too. The symptoms related to allergies, such as sinus pressure and xerostomia (dry mouth) can be quite harmful according to a dentist. Learn how they are connected to your oral health and what you can do about it going forward!
Allergy-Induced Dry Mouth Hurts Your Smile
Simply put, allergy symptoms cause other problems that have the potential to put you at higher risk for dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. One of the most common symptoms, such as chronic dry mouth, can happen in people with allergies regardless of their age. Whether you’re allergic to pollen, hay fever, animal dander, or something else in the air, it can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth at any given time.
Since saliva is crucial to loosening food debris stuck in between teeth and neutralizing oral bacteria that contributes to plaque development, lacking it throughout the day will only put your oral health at risk. Helping your family members stay on top of their oral care routine is important year-round, but doing so may be even more important during allergy season if your family members suffer from allergy symptoms.
The Difference Between Sinus Pain and Tooth Pain
Conditions like sinusitis are more common during allergy season. This condition is characterized by inflammation in the nasal sinuses and is typically caused by the flu, common cold, and seasonal allergies. Since this issue can affect the cheekbone’s sinuses as well, it can result in pressure and increase the occurrence of what feels like toothaches. That means you may not be able to distinguish the difference between discomfort caused by allergy-related issues or dental problems like tooth decay.
If you’re not sure what the cause might be, start by paying close attention to your symptoms. Sinus pain usually occurs on both sides of the face and generally goes away after a few days. However, tooth pain won’t go away on its own and tends to be more localized in nature, especially when applying pressure (i.e. when chewing).
With that said, it’s also best to get in touch with a dentist directly to find out for sure.
Tips to Stay On Top of Oral Care
Reducing your risk of oral health problems starts with diligent at-home oral care, but also includes routine checkups and cleanings from a dentist. Some helpful tips to consider include:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
- Flossing at least once a day
- Drinking more water to keep the mouth hydrated (and help produce saliva)
- Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after meals
- Adding humidifiers to your home to reduce dry air
At-home care matters, but so does staying in touch with a dentist for professional checkups! Get in touch with one today to ensure your at-home care is protecting your smile.
About Celebration Family Dental
Our dentists remain dedicated to providing you the most top-notch preventive dental care possible to ensure you can have confidence in your oral health this allergy season. Whether you need a comprehensive exam and cleaning, tips to improve your oral hygiene at home, or another service to get your smile back to optimal health, they’re always happy to give one-on-one attention and guidance. To schedule an appointment, you can contact them through their website.