Many people think allergies are no big deal. You just take a pill, most of the symptoms go away, and you deal with the rest. However, allergies have a larger effect on your body than you think. Outside of any other issues that might occur, allergies can cause oral health issues that can be surprising to most, especially those who end up finding the issues and learning they’re from their allergies.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a common issue that arises from allergies and can even occur from allergy medicine. Dry mouth doesn’t seem like it’s a huge issue however, prolonged dry mouth can cause halitosis which is bad breath. Nobody likes bad breath especially if it’s the kind that sticks around after you’ve brushed your teeth. Not to mention, dry mouth can cause gum disease and cavities.
Dry mouth can also be caused by a stuffy nose since you’ll often breathe through your mouth. No matter what aspect of allergies causes your dry mouth, it can be uncomfortable and lead to long term oral health issues. In other words, don’t leave your allergies untreated. They cause more damage than you know.
Toothaches
We’re all familiar with the sinus pressure that can come from having allergies. It gets us all stuffy to where we can’t breathe and then that pressure pops up in our face. This pressure can actually cause your teeth to throb or ache. Therefore, your toothaches might not be from anything other than your allergies. As mentioned, allergies can cause dry mouth which can lead to cavities and gum disease. This also can lead to tooth pain or aches.
Misalignment in Children
If children suffer with allergies, it can be common to see their congestion cause malocclusion which is also known as a misalignment of the teeth. When children are congested, just like adults, they’re forced to breathe through their mouth. This can cause their palate to be misshapen, in turn causing their teeth to come in crooked or misaligned.
Tips
A great way to help your allergies and protect your oral health from allergies is to gargle with salt water. This will help remove and excess mucus in your mouth, clear up your sinuses a bit, and help you breathe a bit clearer. Of course, you may have to do it a couple times a day if you don’t have other modes of helping your allergies stay clear. It’s always advised that you talk to your doctor if you’re struggling with something such as allergies. They can affect more than just your breathing, as mentioned above. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day as this will also greatly benefit your body as a whole but, also ensure that your mouth is properly hydrated. This will combat the dry mouth symptoms from allergies.
In general, speak with your dentist if you’re having symptoms you’re unsure about.