Are Allergies Threatening Your Smile?

If you have been suffering from allergies this spring, we feel for you. Suffering through a constant stopped-up nose, postnasal drip, a sore throat, hoarseness, and itchy eyes can be miserable. With how long allergy season lasts here in Georgia, your misery may feel like it’s never going to end. Take heart! May is almost here, and flowers and trees are mostly bloomed out by Mother’s Day.

Yet, as you wait for allergy relief to come, it is vital that you are taking steps to protect your smile during this season. Allergies can take their toll on your mouth by causing unwanted trouble that can leave your teeth vulnerable.

Sore Throat

A sore throat is a common symptom during allergy season due to postnasal drip. As mucus from the sinuses constantly drips down the back of the throat, it can cause inflammation and irritation. The throat is often very sore, and people reach for throat lozenges and hard candies to help reduce the soreness. This can cause huge problems. If you are sucking on sugar-laden lozenges or hard candies throughout the day, you are bathing your teeth in sugar. Make sure you choose a sugar-free lozenge and stay away from candy.

Dry Mouth

A dry mouth can pose severe threats to your oral health. Saliva production is a huge component of oral health because it keeps the mouth moist, and it helps to wash away food particles and oral bacteria inside the mouth. When your nose is stopped up, you will breathe through your mouth. Mouth-breathing causes the mouth to become increasingly dried out, and bacteria will begin to build up at the gum line. As bacteria build up, they will harden into dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease. This process can happen quite rapidly, so you do not need to ignore symptoms of a dry mouth.

Make sure you are drinking at least eight 8-oz glasses of water a day to keep your mouth moist. Drinking water can also help soothe a sore throat!

If allergies are making you worry that your oral health is under attack, please contact Juban Cowen Dental Care today. We can give you personalized recommendations to help you feel better and protect your smile.