Spring is here again. It is great to feel the weather changing, but something else is here now as well – pollen! You certainly aren’t looking forward to your seasonal allergies. You have already started stocking up on tissues and medicines so you can be ready when the high pollen count hits. However, you probably didn’t know just how much allergies affect your oral health. Continue reading to learn from your dentist in Richmond about the dental problems caused by allergies and what you can do to limit them.
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Most of the time, seasonal allergies come around twice a year in the spring and fall months. During this time, the grass and trees pollinate to leave substances in the air that irritate many people. For most, the biggest culprit is ragweed pollen, but mold and dust mites have similar effects during this time of year.
How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Oral Health?
Allergies cause many dental health issues. Here are some of the most common problems people experience:
- Dry mouth: When you have a stuffed-up nose, it is more difficult for you to breathe through it. This is especially the case if you like to exercise. You will end up breathing through your mouth more, causing it to dry out. This puts you at higher risk for bad breath, cavities, and gingivitis.
- Tooth pain: Sinus pain is a frequent sign that you have seasonal allergies. This is because allergies make the sinus cavity fill up with mucus, causing aches and pains in the face. Your sinuses are so close to your mouth that they push down on the roots of your molars to increase tooth sensitivity.
- Sore throat: If you have post-nasal drip because of your allergies, it can cause you to develop a sore throat and bad breath.
How Can I Keep My Smile Healthy Throughout the Spring?
Here are a few tips to help you to maintain excellent oral health despite your allergies:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body and mouth hydrated.
- Gargle salt water: To cut down on harmful bacteria in the mouth and draw mucus out of the sinuses, gargle with a mixture of warm water and a teaspoon of salt.
- Brush and floss: Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine.
- See your doctor: If your allergies are severe, you may want to talk to your family doctor about possible solutions.
- Visit your dentist: If you’re experiencing tooth pain or other oral health issues, you should schedule a checkup with your dentist. This way, they can rule out underlying issues other than seasonal allergies.
You shouldn’t let allergies interfere with your oral health. By using these tips and seeing your dentist in Richmond, you will be able to get through the spring with a healthy smile!
About the Practice
At Brown, Reynolds, Snow, LeNoir Dentistry, we offer a wide range of services with five dentists working hard for the smiles of Richmond. We welcome patients of all ages, and you can always expect personalized, accurate treatment with our dentists coordinating on difficult cases. We will be happy to help your smile get through the spring in good standing. You can schedule a checkup and cleaning on our website – just select our location in Richmond that is most convenient for you.