Suffering From Sore Teeth During Allergy Season? Here’s Why!

Seasonal allergies and sinus infections can cause sinus pressure. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably already know that pain accompanied by allergies can be, at times, unbearable. Additionally, sinus pressure is not the only inconvenience you may experience. Sinus swelling can cause the pressure to push down on your teeth that are located directly below the nasal passages leading to tooth pain. As a result, this can lead to loss of sleep, pain when eating, and an overall feeling of discomfort.

Read on to learn more about how seasonal allergies can affect your teeth and gums and what you can do to find relief.

How Allergies Can Affect Your Oral Health

The initial signs of sore teeth may feel like a typical tooth decay induced dental issue; however, It’s essential to note that experiencing painful teeth during allergy season may not be a tooth problem at all.

While suffering from allergy symptoms, the part of your face that is affected the most is your sinus cavity. Suffering from sinus congestion or sinus inflammation can lead to intense pressure in the center of your face. Hay fever or Springtime allergies can cause these tissues to become inflamed and secrete more mucus than they’re supposed to. As it does, your sinus cavity begins to constrict, causing pressure to build up, and it is not uncommon to feel this pain or pressure in your teeth.

Tooth Pain

Sinus discomfort is a common symptom of your immune system waging war against pollen and dust. The hollow spaces in your sinus cavities begin to fill with mucus, causing aches and pains in your face. The maxillary sinuses are the most extensive in your face and located just above your mouth. When pressure begins to build in the sinuses, they can push down on the roots of your upper molars. After this occurs, you may start to experience sensitivity to hot and cold, or begin to notice pain that shifts as you sit, stand, or lie down.

Dry Mouth

Allergies can lead to dry mouth in two different ways. First, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth when your nose is congested, and your nasal cavities are swollen. Second, many antihistamines list dry mouth as a common side effect. This condition is not just uncomfortable, but it can also increase your chances of developing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. One of the main functions of saliva is to wash away harmful bacteria inside your mouth. This means that if you are suffering from dry mouth, you now have the ideal place for cavity-causing bacteria to multiply and attack your teeth and gums.

Sore Throat

A dry and irritated throat is a typical result of allergies caused by post-nasal drip. A sore throat can lead to bad breath since it originates in the throat. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth will not help to alleviate bad breath as a result of allergies. Keep your throat and mouth moist by promoting saliva production and keeping your body hydrated with water or lozenges.

Finding Relief From Sinus-Related Tooth Pain

You may be experiencing tooth discomfort as a result of seasonal allergies; however, not all cases of tooth pain are allergy-related. A simple way to tell the difference and determine where the pain is coming from is to ask yourself if the pain you are feeling is mostly near your upper molars, or in one specific tooth.

To relieve tooth pain related to sinus pressure, incorporate the following tips into your everyday seasonal allergy routine :

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
• Incorporate foods that have been proven to reduce inflammation, as that is a significant factor in sinus-induced tooth pain.
• Add Calcium and vitamin C supplements to your diet. Calcium-rich foods, such as broccoli, asparagus, leafy greens, and bean sprouts can counteract inflammation – causing elements.
•  Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like the ones found in salmon.
• Sleep with a humidifier to moisten the air and open your nasal passages to relieve sinus pressure.
• Rinse your sinuses with a saline solution to clear any discharge and moisture.

When To See Your Dentist or Doctor

If your toothache affects more than just your top molars or the discomfort is isolated in one specific tooth, call your dentist to schedule an appointment to determine if tooth decay is a contributing factor in your distress.

We never recommend our patients suffer in silence, so if you are unsure what is causing your discomfort, or if your tooth pain continues after your sinuses have cleared up, it’s always best to contact your dentist. Dr. Aubrey Baudean DDS will take X-rays and examine your mouth and oral cavity to determine if any visible underlying factors may be directly linked to your discomfort.