Spring has officially arrived, and if you’re like most people, you may find that you’re stocking up on tissues and allergy medications. Whether it’s itchy eyes, a runny nose, or a sore throat that has you staying in bed, it’s important to be mindful of what you’re taking to combat the pollen, dander, and more. Why? Because certain ones can prove harmful to your oral health. Read on to find out how to safeguard your smile while tackling spring allergies.
What is the Difference Between Tooth Pain & Sinus Pressure?
It’s not always easy to identify whether the discomfort you’re experiencing is from a sinus infection or decay-causing toothache. The pressure can build and make for a miserable day (or two).
However, there are ways to tell so that you can make an appointment with your doctor to get the help you need.
First, it’s important to remember that your sinuses are located above your upper molars, so the occurrence of tooth pain is likely when allergens are in the air. When they become inflamed because of a sinus infection, you’ll likely feel pressure and pain in your back teeth. If you move your head and continue to feel discomfort, there is a good chance that you can blame it on the time of year.
What Kinds of Medicines Should You Take?
Since springtime allergies can usually trigger a runny nose, itchy eyes, a sore throat, dry mouth, and more, it’s no surprise that a trip to the local drugstore is in your future.
But before you start reaching for flavorful cough drops and liquid pain relief, consider how they might affect your oral health.
Many of these medicines contain high amounts of sugar, which means you are likely to increase your chances of developing cavities. Also, because dry mouth is a common occurrence, you’ll need to be careful with the potential for gum disease and halitosis as well as tooth decay.
To minimize your risk and keep your mouth from becoming a victim, make sure that you:
- Drink lots of water, as this will stimulate your salivary glands, thus neutralizing harmful acids inside the mouth and flushing out bad oral bacteria.
- Choose sugar-free remedies that don’t leave behind particles that might otherwise try to eat away at your tooth enamel.
- Don’t bypass your oral hygiene routine but instead, keep brushing, flossing, and rinsing as you should so that bacteria and food particles do not remain on teeth throughout the day and at night.
There is also the option of talking to your dentist about additional ways to safeguard your smile during this time of year. Using the right techniques will ensure you maintain a healthy smile while treating your runny nose and itchy eyes.
About the Author
Dr. Udoka Holinbeck was born in Nigeria and raised in North Carolina. Moving to Wisconsin, which she now calls home, she is proud to serve the residents of Delafield and its surrounding communities. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and continues to pursue continuing education opportunities, dedicating hundreds of hours to various courses. As a holistic dentist, she believes in the importance of caring not only for the mouth but the body as well, which is why you will find that she offers helpful tips to combat springtime allergies – ones that do not cause problems for the body. To learn more about how we can help you, visit our website or call (262) 337-9745.