Melbourne is one of the most well-loved cities in the world, thanks to its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, welcoming community, and all four seasons. Although there are many things to do with every passing season, it has also become a pain for people who suffer from allergies once spring and summer come. After all, you can expect a surge of pollens in the air, known triggers for allergies. You can already expect the runny nose and teary eyes that come with it, but did you know? Allergies can also influence our oral health. In today’s article, we’ll discuss the connection between these two and how to handle oral allergies.
How can allergies affect oral health?
Folks who suffer from seasonal allergies have it bad, and what’s worse is that the degree of their allergic reaction varies, which is why there’s no one cure-for-all medicine for them out there—but there are over-the-counter drugs that can help ease it up a bit. Speaking of medicine, these, along with a few other factors, impact the condition of your oral health, causing the following:
Mouth breathing. A blocked nasal passage is one of the most common symptoms of allergic reactions. Because of this, the individual has no choice but to breathe through their nose, but doing so can lead to dry mouth and other oral problems.
Dry mouth. If you’re suffering from an allergy of any kind, then it’s a must to always carry medicines like antihistamines and decongestants with you anywhere you go. Although taking these can help ease your symptoms, it also comes with a few downsides, like dry mouth. As the name suggests, dry mouth, otherwise referred to as xerostomia, is a condition where your mouth dries up because the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to coat the inside of your mouth.
Saliva is an important factor that helps keep your oral cavity healthy; it washes away food particles that could get stuck and lead to plaque buildup on your teeth and gums. Furthermore, it also neutralizes the acids found in the food and drinks you consume, thus preventing tooth enamel erosion. Without saliva, you can expect to suffer one or more tooth and gum diseases, along with bad breath. So at the first sign of dry mouth, it’s best to run over to Toorak dentists or other health care professionals for treatment. On the bright side, dry mouth can be treated easily as long as you follow good oral hygiene, among many other dental healthcare practices.
Post-nasal drip. Sometimes called upper airway cough syndrome, this troublesome allergy symptom happens when there’s too much mucus produced by the nasal mucosa. As a result, the excess mucus drips down the back of the throat, which can be a nesting ground for bacteria, increasing the chances of developing gum infections and halitosis.
Weakened immune system. People suffering from allergies are more susceptible to other kinds of diseases and illnesses because of their weakened immune systems. When this happens, it will be harder for their bodies to fend off oral infections and gum diseases if they develop, causing more suffering and inconvenience to the individuals. At times like these, it’s best to head straight to the nearest healthcare professional like emergency entist Toorak so they can assess your condition and recommend the right treatment, ensuring you recover quickly and without a hitch.
How do I maintain my oral health during allergy season?
The allergy season may bring a lot of inconveniences and trigger allergic symptoms, but thankfully, these following tips will help keep oral problems at bay.
Hydration is key. Drinking water has many benefits that also extend to oral care. This simple act is an effective countermeasure against dry mouth, so make it a habit to carry a bottle with you and sip from time to time.
Practice consistent oral hygiene. Of course, the basics of oral care must never be neglected—just keep brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash to lessen the chance of plaque buildup that can lead to tooth decay.
Make it a habit to rinse your mouth. As soon as you get back from anywhere outdoors, it’s a good practice to rinse your mouth to help wash away allergens.
Commit to regular dental check-ups. It’s recommended that you schedule two dental checkups yearly so your dentist can inspect and assess your oral condition, as well as perform professional dental cleaning. The benefits of regular dental visits extend beyond cleaning since your dentist can also check for potential problems and take appropriate action. You could begin treatment promptly or get referred to a specialist if the problem requires special attention.
Consider chewing sugar-free gum. We’ve mentioned before how saliva production is crucial to keep your mouth moist and hydrated, and one of the simplest ways to do this apart from drinking water is chewing sugar-free gum. This helps stimulate saliva production and neutralizes the acidic contents in your mouth.
Have an allergy management plan. If you want to stop relying on antihistamines and decongestants, you can try consulting with an allergist to formulate an effective allergy management plan. Maybe instead of consuming medication, you can opt for allergy shots instead to avoid side effects like dry mouth.
Get a humidifier. Sometimes, dry mouth can also happen because of the dryness in the air and temperature. In this case, you can try incorporating a humidifier in your bedroom or office space to add moisture to the air. This is helpful, especially at night, to help lessen the risk of dry mouth.
Look for saliva substitutes. Some people suffer extremely dry mouths to the point that many home remedies and oral practices are no longer effective. At times like these, it’s best to consult with your doctor or dentist and discuss possible saliva substitutes like lozenges or sprays.
Gargle with salt water. One effective home remedy to combat inflammation and sore throat caused by an allergic reaction is to gargle with warm salt water. Doing so draws the mucus out of your sinuses so you can breathe easier, providing relief.
Melbourne’s allergy season is as beautiful as it is troublesome for people with allergies, thanks to the many allergens like pollen it brings. Having a thorough understanding of how your allergic reactions can impact your oral health enables you to develop preventive measures so you can enjoy your healthy smile longer throughout the allergy season.