How Spring Allergies Affect Teeth

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Budding trees and colorful flowers make spring come alive, but, for seasonal allergy sufferers, allergies reawaken as well. 
While people commonly think of symptoms like sneezing and watery eyes, your allergies could be the root cause of your dental pain as well. Sinus problems often manifest as tooth pain with the beginning of pollen season. 

 Allergic Rhinitis – The Reason for the Sneezing This Season

This common condition affects roughly 20 percent of the population. Simply put, it’s an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, Eustachian tubes, middle ear, sinuses, and throat. All the usual symptoms come out, including:

  • Sneezing 
  •  Itchy eyes, nose, ears, or palate 
  •  Runny nose
  • Congestion

But dental pain, especially of the upper or lower back teeth, also may indicate a spring allergy. Ask yourself these questions if you think your tooth pain and allergies may be related:

  • Does standing on your toes and powerfully dropping your heels cause your teeth to hurt?
  • Does walking down stairs hurt?
  • If you change the position of head, tilting it back and forth, does it hurt your teeth?

How to Alleviate Allergy-Induced tooth pain?

Start with the basics. Take an antihistamine plus ibuprofen for a day to see if it helps. If you have congestion as well, add a decongestant to the combo. 
Allergies stress out your immune system, so look for ways to boost it with proper nutrition. Look for foods that deliver stress-fighting antioxidants without increasing your mucus levels, such as leafy green, blueberries and other fruits and vegetables. 

Stay hydrated to flush your system of foreign irritants, thin out mucus, and support sinus drainage. Bacteria flourish when your mouth is dry, so this also helps keep your mouth clean. Remember, alcohol and caffeinated beverages actually dehydrate you, so stick to water and non-sugary drinks.

Some people have great success with Neti, or sinus, pots, a natural remedy that involves flushing salt water through your sinuses. For the best chance of success, use Himalayan salt, consider the purest source with the most vital minerals. 

About Us:

Grand Prairie dentist Dr. Quinn J. Smith received hi
s undergraduate degree from Boise State University in Boise, Idaho and went on to attend and graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in Louisville, Ky.  Dr. Smith considers Pecan Tree Dental his home away from home, and his patients and staff his extended family. He strives to put each patient at ease with his sincere, friendly chair-side manner and honest treatment approach.Visit Pecan Tree Dental at 775 W. Westchester Pkwy, Suite 101, in Grand Prairie, TX, 75052 or call 972-262-5111.