As spring comes into full swing, you might be happy to see life coming back to the flowers and trees. As beautiful as they might be, you might not be excited that this warmer weather often welcomes allergy season. Your eyes might start to be more watery, and you may deal with congestion, but did you know your oral health might also be affected? Here’s how and ways you can keep your smile strong this time of year.
What Can Allergy Season Do to My Oral Health?
The allergies you feel might just seem like an annoyance, but they can affect your grin. These are just a few ways you should know:
- Toothache: If your sinuses fill with fluid and become inflamed, that pressure can be uncomfortable to deal with. Not only can it cause congestion, but you might also feel it in your upper molars. While this isn’t a dental-related issue, you might be in some pain because of it.
- Dry Mouth: With a stuffy nose, you might switch to mouth breathing as it’s more comfortable and you’re able to take those deep breaths you need. However, this can lower your saliva production. You may have trouble washing away harmful bacteria, giving them a greater chance to cause problems like cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
- Gum Inflammation: As a result of your body’s response to allergies, your immune system will release histamines. This increases blood flow, but your gums might become more swollen and irritated.
How Can I Protect My Smile During Allergy Season?
Although your allergies can spell trouble for your smile, the good news is that you can keep your oral health in great shape by following the right routine. Here are easy tips you should do:
- Brush and floss twice daily to remove harmful bacteria that spell trouble in the first place.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to make sure you get all you can.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and to protect your enamel from allergy medication.
- Visit your dentist for your first checkup of the year; that way, you get more advice on how to protect your smile and to treat any issues if they are present.
While allergies might get in the way of you smelling the new blooms, it doesn’t have to ruin your grin in the process. Follow the tips above to keep it in great shape throughout the season.
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Scarpitti earned his dental degree from Creighton University. He is dedicated to helping the Orlando community get the stronger teeth and gums they deserve with preventive care. By having routine visits, Dr. Scarpitti can spot red flags in your oral health and stop them from becoming any bigger. If you want to make sure your allergies don’t get in the way of your pristine smile, schedule an appointment or call his office at (407) 658-1111.