If you have seasonal allergies, it may not have occurred to you to talk to your dentist about the symptoms. If left untreated, though, some of these symptoms can affect your oral health. To prevent seasonal allergies from damaging your teeth, tongue, and gums, keep the following in mind this spring.

Dry Mouth Can Contribute to Decay 

It’s common for people with seasonal allergies to have dry mouth. Congestion makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, so during flareups, you have no choice but to breathe through your mouth, which dries it out. Some of the most popular allergy medications can also cause dry mouth. Since saliva is essential for rinsing away food particles and bacteria that can contribute to decay, people with dry mouth are especially vulnerable to dental cavities. 

Sinus Pressure Can Cause Tooth Pain

If you have seasonal allergies, tooth pain may not necessarily be cause for concern. During allergy flareups, the sinuses fill with mucus, which can put pressure on the upper molars. This pressure can cause a dull toothache. It can also increase the molars’ sensitivity to hot and cold foods. If you have tooth pain of any kind, visit a dentist for an accurate diagnosis. In general, though, tooth pain caused by allergies is not something to worry about, and you should be able to alleviate it by taking antihistamines, which will relieve sinus pressure. 

If you have seasonal allergies, it’s especially important to stay on top of your oral health. For a comprehensive oral exam and professional teeth cleaning, turn to Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI. For more than three decades, this family-oriented dentist and his practice have been providing unparalleled dental care for patients of all ages. In that time, they have remained up-to-date on all the latest advancements in the field, and they use state-of-the-art equipment to provide both preventive and restorative dentistry. To make a dentist appointment, call (608) 784-4063, and visit them online to learn more about their clinic.