Seasonal allergies can wreak havoc on your health in a number of ways, but most people don't realize that allergies can also affect your oral health. There are a few different ways that your allergies can increase your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease, however, by becoming aware of them, you'll be better able to protect yourself against these risks. In addition to seeking professional care at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa, there are some things you can do at home to keep your smile protected.

How Do Your Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Oral Health?
Tooth Pain
When you experience tooth pain, you may not be as diligent in caring for your teeth as usual out of a fear of irritating the problem. Unfortunately, the sinus pressure that results from seasonal allergies can increase tooth pain, or cause pain that previously didn't exist. The immune system responds to the presence of allergens by causing mucous build-up to form in the sinus cavities. Since the largest sinus cavities are in the upper face, this causes pressure that pushes down against the roots of your upper teeth. The pain this causes can increase and decrease depending on the foods you eat, extreme temperature changes, or the position in which you sit or lay. 



Cotton Mouth

While having a dry mouth may not seem like a big deal, it can have adverse effects on your oral health. When you suffer from seasonal allergies, the congestion that results may force you to breathe through your mouth instead of through your nose. The influx of air can cause your mouth to dry out and that will make it harder to produce saliva naturally. This is important, because your health relies on the production of saliva to protect against the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease. The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria, but the saliva that you produce contains nutrients and minerals that fight off the harmful bacteria in your mouth. When your mouth is consistently dry due to seasonal allergies, there aren't any bacteria-fighting nutrients in your mouth.



Bad Breath

The mucous build-up in your sinuses, combined with the lack of saliva in your mouth, will work together to cause bad breath. Even though you may be brushing regularly, there will be more bacteria in your mouth as a result of increased mucous and decreased saliva. The high level of bacteria will expose your teeth to more rapid decay, while also causing a bad odour in your mouth. If you practice good oral care and you still struggle with bad breath, this may indicate an increased presence of bacteria in your mouth.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Teeth and Gum Tissue?

There are many things you can do to counteract the effects that seasonal allergies have on your oral health. In general, you should continue to practice good dental hygiene, which includes brushing at least twice per day and flossing daily. It's especially important to schedule a check-up and teeth cleaning with us at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa every six months, since this will help catch decay and disease early. Additionally, here are some more oral care tips for dealing with seasonal allergies.



Drink Water

While you should be drinking enough water to stay hydrated anyway, this is especially important during allergy season. The water will help flush bacteria out of your mouth, while also flushing mucous out of your sinuses.



Gargle With Salt Water

You can make salt water by adding one tablespoon of salt to a cup of warm water and stirring until the salt is dissolved. By gargling with this mixture, you'll be pulling the mucous out of your sinuses and you'll be killing the bacteria in your mouth.



Rinse With Fluoride Mouthwash

One mistake many people make is to rinse with water after brushing their teeth. This flushes the fluoride out of your mouth before it has the chance to protect your teeth. The best practice is to rinse with a fluoride mouthwash, so your teeth will stay protected. After brushing and rinsing, avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 30 minutes.



Keeping up with your dental exams every six months will help ensure your teeth and gum tissue remain in a good state of health. Your dentist can identify problems early, so they can be corrected quickly. This can help you avoid more invasive and more costly procedures down the road. Regular visits to the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa will also help you keep your teeth clean, so bacteria will be minimized and your smile will be brighter. Contact us to schedule an appointment!