Maybe you associate the month of April with tax season or the showers that bring May flowers. But for many, April brings a maelstrom of seasonal allergy symptoms – sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and mouth-breathing, to name a few. These symptoms are annoying enough on their own, but did you know they can also negatively impact your oral health? Read on to learn how seasonal allergies can put your smile at risk and what you can do about it.
Why Are Your Allergies So Bad Right Now?
Although everyone has different allergies, many people experience their worst symptoms around April. The most likely reason for this is pollen. During this time of year, plants like flowers and trees release tiny grains into the air to fertilize nature. This is necessary for new plant life on Earth to grow, but once these pollen particles are inhaled through the nose, they cause irritation in people with allergies.
The Link Between Allergies & Oral Health
Allergies themselves don’t actually lead to oral health problems. Rather, the factors associated with them do. For instance, the antihistamines or decongestants you take to treat symptoms tend to result in dry mouth. Mouth breathing due to a stuffed-up nose can also cause this condition.
Dry mouth may not sound like a big deal, but it can seriously harm your dental health. It may sound gross, but your saliva plays a key role in your smile’s health. Throughout the day, it rinses away lingering food debris, bacteria, and plaque. If, however, the mouth does not produce enough saliva, bacteria can thrive. They can use the sugars in your mouth as fuel to create acids that erode your tooth enamel and cause infections.
How to Keep Your Smile Healthy During Allergy Season
Fortunately, dry mouth and the oral health problems associated with it can be prevented. One easy way to do this is by making sure you always have water within reach. Sipping water throughout the day is not only great for your whole body, but it will help your mouth produce more saliva and wash away harmful pathogens. If you can, opt for tap water over bottled water – most tap water contains fluoride, a mineral that combats cavities.
Chewing sugar-free gum is another great way to keep your smile healthy, especially if you have trouble drinking lots of water. The act of chewing stimulates saliva flow, without any sugar that harms your teeth. You could also place a humidifier in your bedroom to moisturize the air and prevent your mouth from drying out.
Allergy season is already inconvenient enough. By keeping these helpful tips in mind, you can maintain a bright and healthy smile year-round!
About the Practice
At Longmont Complete Dentistry, father-and-son dental team Drs. James and Dan Maurer provide individualized, attentive care to families in Longmont, CO. They prioritize a preventive approach to oral health and focus on building lasting relationships with their patients. With their combined decades of experience, you can trust that with them, your smile is in good hands. To learn more about keeping your smile healthy during allergy season, you can reach them online or by phone at (303) 772-7000.