For many residents around the Hurstville area, Spring and Summer bring high pollen counts, itchy eyes, and constant sneezing. While allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is usually thought of as a pesky breathing problem, many people don't realize it can directly affect oral health.
At Power Dental in Hurstville, we frequently treat seasonal dental issues caused by allergy medications, mouth breathing, and throat lozenges. Here is how hay fever affects your smile—and how you can protect your teeth during high-pollen months.
1. Taking Anti-histamines dries out your nose AND mouth.
Taking old-styled medications like Phenergan, Diomatapp and Demazin usually dry out your mouth a lot, but even new ones like Claratyne, Zirtec and Telfast can reduce your saliva and leave you parched. The effects of a dry mouth can include increased tooth sensitivity, inflammed gums, bad breath and (in the longer-term) increased tooth decay.
A better option may be to try nasal sprays which will have a much lower dose and less side-effects. This will only be appropriate if your problem is restricted to your nose and sinuses.
In any case, increasing the amount of water you drink will help relieve symptoms of dry mouth.
2. Sucking throat lozenges with sugar can cause dental problems
When allergy causes us a scratchy, irritated throat we often reach for the throat lozenges for a bit of relief. Good idea in the short-term, but can give us sensitive teeth and more tooth-decay. This is because many have high sugar levels and we tend to suck them off and on throughout the day, giving our teeth a constant supply of sugar. The sugar produces acid giving us sensitivity and decay.
A few lozenges are around which are sugar-free. Brands which have a sugar-free option include Difflam, Bosisto’s and Double-D. Why not give these a try to help with that irritated throat during Spring time? Sipping water can also be a big help (to your throat and mouth).
3. Blocked sinuses can cause pressure and a feeling of toothache.
During allergy season, we at Power Dental Practice frequently have people come in with aching upper back teeth. Sometimes it is regular tooth pain, but quite regularly it can be pain referred from the sinuses right above these teeth.
The nerves that go to our teeth and those that run along the floor of our nasal sinuses go back tooth same main nerve trunk and the message can often get confused. The good news is that no dental treatment may be needed. To be sure we would need to see you and take an x-ray along with the examination. Then treating the allergy and drying out those soggy sinuses will be your best course of action (which may mean seeing your Medical GP, as well).
When to Visit Your Dentist
If you suffer from seasonal allergies and notice persistent dry mouth, bleeding gums, or upper tooth pain, a routine dental check-up can identify early enamel wear or gum irritation before it turns into a complex issue.
Try implementing the advice above, remembering that our team provides comprehensive preventative care, cleanings, and tailored advice to keep your teeth healthy year-round.
Experiencing dental sensitivity or sinus pressure? Contact Power Dental Practice today on (02) 9570 5648 or book your appointment online!