Seasonal Allergies and Hay Fever: Can They Affect Your Oral Health?
Most hay fever sufferers know about the sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose — but fewer realise that seasonal allergies can also affect oral health.
Most hay fever sufferers know about the sneezing, itchy eyes and runny nose — but fewer realise that seasonal allergies can also have an impact on oral health. Understanding the connection can help you manage the effects during peak allergy season.
Nasal congestion caused by hay fever often forces people to breathe through their mouth, especially at night. Mouth breathing dramatically reduces saliva flow, creating a dry mouth environment. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids and washing away food particles and bacteria — without it, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. Some antihistamine medications also have dry mouth as a side effect.
Sinus pressure from allergic rhinitis can also cause pain and sensitivity in the upper back teeth, which share a close anatomical relationship with the maxillary sinuses. If you experience unexplained toothache during hay fever season that resolves when your symptoms improve, this is likely the cause. Staying well-hydrated, using a saline nasal spray to reduce congestion and maintaining excellent oral hygiene will help. Call us on 01243 771171 if symptoms persist.
Questions about your oral health? Call 01243 771171.
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