Why Greensboro’s Allergy Season Might Be Making Your Teeth Hurt
Many people experience painful sinus pressure and pesky congestion during Greensboro’s infamous allergy season. Unfortunately, those seasonal allergies can affect more than just your ears, nose, and throat; they can also cause tooth pain.
At Farless Dental Group, that’s certainly a common concern we hear every year—“My teeth hurt badly during the spring and summer!” And to the surprise of many of our patients, we explain that seasonal allergies can, in fact, lead to unexpected tooth sensitivity and discomfort. It’s not “all in your head.”
Below, you’ll learn more about the proven connection between allergy season and oral pain.
Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain
You might question what your sinuses have to do with your teeth, but the connection is more direct than you may think. Your sinus tracts sit just above your mouth, and when they’re inflamed, pressure builds up. That discomfort can extend downward, causing a dull and aching pain that typically affects the back teeth and upper jaw. Untreated sinus pressure often results in jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and general discomfort in your mouth as well.
Dry Mouth From Allergy Medications
Another sneaky culprit of mouth pain during allergy season comes in the form of over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Antihistamines, which are commonly used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms, are generally effective, but they do come with some side effects you may not be aware of.
One of the common side effects of antihistamines is dry mouth. These medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, drying it out and increasing general irritation. Saliva protects your teeth and gums from cavities and inflammation, so when there isn’t enough of it, you may experience tooth pain.
As such, if you’ve been taking OTC allergy medication, that could very well be the cause of your mouth pain. Just remember to consult a physician before stopping any medication regimens.
Increased Teeth Sensitivity
Seasonal allergies could be behind your teeth feeling more sensitive. That’s because when your sinuses become irritated by pollen and other seasonal allergens, you produce more mucus. That, in turn, leads to a phenomenon called post-nasal drip, wherein the mucus drains from your sinuses into your throat.
Unfortunately, post-nasal drip can irritate your throat and cause jaw clenching and bruxism (teeth grinding), which can make your teeth sore and wear away at your enamel, the protective coating over each tooth. As enamel breaks down, your teeth become more sensitive to heat and cold. You may notice a dull ache in your teeth and gums after a particularly bad bout of post-nasal drip.
How to Relieve Allergy-Related Tooth Pain
With the right strategies, you can stay ahead of tooth pain during allergy season. These home remedies and different OTC solutions will carry you through until your oral discomfort comes to an end.
Keep your mouth moist.
Proper hydration with water and electrolytes will prevent your mouth from drying out. Always keep a beverage on hand to introduce moisture into your mouth when you notice your symptoms flaring up.
Alongside good hydration, you might also want to consider a humidifier, a device that releases moisture into the air to soothe your nose and throat. Many people use them to calm their symptoms during allergy season and when fighting illnesses like colds.
Use nasal decongestants.
Decongestants can help relieve the built-up sinus pressure that may be causing your toothaches. You can get some of these as OTC medications, but others require a prescription. Talk to your doctor for the best recommendations.
Use gentle toothpaste.
If your teeth are sensitive due to the effects of post-nasal drip, you may want to avoid more abrasive toothpastes and consider buying one made for sensitive teeth. These formulas fill in small holes in your enamel to protect you from sensitivity; just make sure to use light pressure while brushing.
Visit your dentist to address lingering pain.
It’s important to remember that persistent tooth pain, even outside of allergy season, can be a sign of deeper oral issues. It could also be possible that allergens in the air are irritating existing dental problems and sensitivities.
If your pain isn’t going away with home remedies and medication, visit your dentist. They’ll check to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and responding normally to the conditions around them.
Do you have lingering tooth pain? Visit a friendly dentist in Greensboro, NC.
Greensboro’s pollen count is no joke. During allergy season, you may find yourself sniffling, coughing, and sneezing like never before, but that doesn’t mean your teeth need to suffer.
If you’re struggling with tooth pain from seasonal allergies, schedule a visit with a family dentist near Greensboro, NC. At Farless Dental Group, we’ll address every aspect of your oral health to help you find solutions and evaluate your dental health to rule out other problems. Book an appointment with us today!
