Do you ever experience throbbing tooth pain or sore gums but don’t understand why? As a long-established Marietta family dentist, we regularly speak to adults and children facing the onset of oral discomfort. For many of these people dental pain appears sporadically, leading to a great deal of frustration. And while cavities, gum disease and other common issues are often to blame, sometimes the cause is actually related to environmental factors.
At Shining Smiles Family Dentistry, we help patients who are facing various dental issues. And one of the first steps is to identify the cause of the symptoms. So with springtime almost upon us, it might just be time to consider the impact of seasonal allergies on dental health.
Common Dental Issues Triggered by Seasonal Allergies
It’s that time of year. The sun is out and the flowers are blooming. The spring weather is calling your name. But this weather isn’t all fun in the sun. Those seasonal allergies are no joke. They can cause a real headache, but can they cause a real toothache? Are seasonal allergies really connected to tooth and gum issues? Let’s take a look at some common issues!
Tooth Pain
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Seasonal allergies can indirectly cause oral and tooth issues. Most symptoms of these allergies or of asthma cause issues due to disordered breathing and coughing or clogged sinuses. Sinus issues cause pressure buildup in close proximity to the teeth and it is common that patients will experience tooth pain alongside their stuffy nose or head cold.
Dry Mouth
Another common issue that arises from prolonged allergies can be dry mouth. This condition is especially common in seniors and those who suffer from asthma and is caused by forced breathing through the mouth. Mouth breathing causes saliva production to decrease and therefore makes it harder to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the mouth. While a short cold shouldn’t be an issue, prolonged mouth breathing can lead to more serious oral problems such as infection and cavities.
Swollen Gums
In addition, seasonal allergies cause fluid drip that combines with dry mouth and unhealthy bacteria to produce swollen gums.
Best Dental Treatments for Tooth and Gum Pain Caused by Allergies
So you might be experiencing oral issues due to your allergies. What can you do about it? Here’s a list of remedies for tooth and gum issues caused by seasonal allergies.
- Keep the liquids coming – Water is always a great solution, but it’s especially helpful when experiencing sinus or dry mouth issues. It’s a great way to naturally wash out pesky bacteria that may be lingering and keep hydrated.
- Eat to reduce inflammation – Certain foods are helpful in decreasing inflammation in the mouth or body. Reducing the inflammation in the mouth is helpful for reducing pain.
- Vitamin C and Calcium – Vitamin C and Calcium are also a great way to reduce inflammation and counteract those allergy-causing histamines.
- Breathe that steam – Breathe in mist from boiling water or a diffuser. This is a great trick to reduce sinus pressure.
- Salt – Try gargling salt water to clear out the head and decrease any tooth or gum pain.
- Avoid the pollen – A yellow lining on everything in sight is a tell-tale sign of a high pollen time. Try to avoid being outside for long periods of time on these specific days.
- Consider letting others do the yard work – We know- spring cleaning is a must this year, but outdoor cleaning and projects are a breeding ground for allergies this time of year. Maybe consider hiring a crew to fill in for a couple projects while you wait out the high pollen season.
- Don’t slack on oral care – It’s always important to stay on top of your tooth care, but it is especially important when you are sick or experiencing allergies. Don’t forget to brush, floss, and rinse with mouthwash.
- Keep track of your filters – Pollen is notorious for finding its way into anywhere and your home vents are no exception. They can fill up fast if you’re not careful. Make sure you work to change filters regularly, especially if you are experiencing allergy symptoms at home.
- Allergy meds – Many over-the-counter medications are a great solution to seasonal allergies. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and more can help clear out those sinuses quickly.
- See our dentist – Of course, it’s always safe to see our dentist if you are experiencing excessive tooth or gum pain. We are happy to help!
Allergies can be a pesky little thing, especially when it starts to cause tooth and gum problems. Don’t let your allergies take over. Take the steps to make this allergy season the best one yet!
Effective Treatments for Tooth and Gum Pain in Marietta
When you are experiencing tooth or gum pain caused by seasonal allergies, don’t hesitate to contact us. Shining Smiles Family Dentistry works with patients to identify the causes of oral health issues and deliver targeted treatments. For help with family, restorative and cosmetic dentistry, call (770) 420-8550 or request a dental appointment today.
Resource: Patient Connect 365