If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you're likely familiar with the symptoms as soon as they hit: watery eyes, itchy ears, nasal congestion, headaches, and the relentless sneezing—oh, the sneezing!
Seasonal allergy triggers don't only impact your airways, sinuses, and nasal passages; they also have a direct connection to your oral health, which can experience consequences due to allergy symptoms.
Learn more about the different ways seasonal allergies affect your oral health and steps you can take to help reduce their impact.
Dry mouth
Dry mouth is the most prevalent oral health issue associated with seasonal allergies. When we experience congestion, it becomes difficult to breathe through our noses as we typically do, causing us to breathe through our mouths instead. This leads to a reduction in saliva, which plays a vital role in preventing gum disease and tooth decay. When this protective layer diminishes, our teeth and gums become more susceptible to bacteria.
If you start to notice allergy symptoms, make sure to drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
Swollen or red gums
Many people who suffer from seasonal allergies also contend with postnasal drip, which can cause a sore throat and swollen tonsils. When combined with the effects of congested mouth breathing, this can lead to red or swollen gums. When inflamed, gums are more sensitive, which may make it harder to brush and floss. And we frequently encourage flossing for good reason: it prevents the onset of gingivitis and gum disease.
How to reduce the effects of seasonal allergies
Seasonal allergies can be challenging to navigate, but there are effective strategies to lessen their effects on your airways and oral health:
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Monitor the pollen count: Check the weather report on TV or online for the current pollen levels. If they are elevated, try to limit outdoor activities early in the morning when counts are highest.
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Maintain dry indoor air: Utilize a dehumidifier to help minimize allergens within your home.
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Avoid outdoor laundry: Although it may be tempting, refrain from hanging laundry outside during allergy season, as pollen can cling to your clothes and linens.
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Stay indoors on dry, windy days: This will help decrease your exposure to allergy triggers.
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Consider over-the-counter remedies: Options like oral antihistamines and nasal sprays can be helpful. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure they are safe for you.
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Wear a mask outdoors: If you need to mow the lawn or garden on high pollen days, wearing a mask can provide additional protection.
Sometimes, precautionary measures and home remedies aren’t enough to ease symptoms to a manageable level. In this case, your health care provider might recommend an allergy test to hone in on your symptoms or allergy shots to help reduce the immune system’s reaction to triggers over time.
The bottom line: Season allergies are a pain for millions of Americans and can affect our oral health. But by taking steps to avoid allergy triggers and reduce their impact, your smile will benefit just as much as your airways.
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