{"id":775,"date":"2017-03-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-03-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/seasonal-allergies-take-care-smile-2\/"},"modified":"2017-03-22T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2017-03-22T00:00:00","slug":"seasonal-allergies-take-care-smile-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mydentalpracticeblog.com\/hudsonhighlandsdentistry\/dental-care-blog\/seasonal-allergies-take-care-smile-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Seasonal Allergies? Take Care Of Your Smile"},"content":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n

\"\" SPRING IS ON THE HORIZON<\/strong> and we couldn\u2019t be more excited! Chirping birds, blooming flowers, and warmer weather are just a few of the things we look forward to when spring comes around. We have to admit though, there is one thing about the season that\u2019s not particularly appealing, and that\u2019s allergies. <\/p>\n

Be Aware Of These Dental Side Effects During\u00a0Allergy Season<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Many of you have experienced it, red, itchy and watery eyes and the constant sneezing and congestion. The effects of seasonal allergies can go even further, however, and may even affect your oral health! Here are some mouth-related symptoms to be on the lookout for when seasonal allergies strike. <\/p>\n

Tooth Pain<\/h4>\n

When your body reacts to allergens in the air, you often end up with congested sinuses. Sinus pressure in the maxillary sinuses can sometimes cause the upper molars to ache.<\/strong> Treating your allergies and the congestion should relieve tooth pain. If the pain persists, however, make an appointment with your dentist. It\u2019s important to make sure any aching teeth aren\u2019t the result of tooth decay. <\/p>\n

Bad Breath<\/h4>\n

All that mucus your body is creating can also be bad news for your breath. When you\u2019re congested, mucus from the sinuses leaks into the back of the throat<\/strong>\u2013we call this\u00a0\u201cpost-nasal drip.\u201d Not only can\u00a0post-nasal drip lead to a sore throat, it can also be the cause of persistent bad breath. <\/p>\n

Dry Mouth<\/h4>\n

Many of you will reach for antihistamines to keep your allergies under control this spring. As helpful as they are, they can often lead to an unpleasant side effect: dry mouth. Saliva is our number one defense against cavity-causing bacteria, so when your mouth is dry, you have a higher risk of developing tooth decay<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Protect Your Mouth This Spring<\/strong><\/h3>\n

We want your mouth to stay healthy, even during allergy season. Here are some helpful tips to help you protect your mouth this spring: <\/p>\n

    \n
  • Continue to practice good oral hygiene<\/strong>. Brush at least twice a day, and floss on a daily basis!<\/li>\n
  • Take allergy medication as recommended by your physician, but remember to drink plenty of water<\/strong> to compensate for dry mouth.<\/li>\n
  • Try gargling with salt water<\/strong> to help with congestion. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water and gargle for a few seconds before spitting it out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    To get a more in-depth look at what causes those pesky allergies and what you can do to avoid them, check out the video below!<\/strong>