Sinus Pressure or Tooth Pain? How Spring Allergies Affect Your Oral Health

There’s nothing better than seeing flowers start to bloom and feeling the warmth of the sun on your face after a long winter. And although spring is a wonderful time of year, it’s often accompanied by seasonal allergies that can cause congestion and sinus pressure.

Unfortunately, this sinus pressure can be mistaken for dental issues, so how do you know if you need to see the dentist?

How Allergies Affect Your Oral Health

When you have allergies, your congested sinuses put pressure on your tooth’s roots; this can cause a dull ache in your top teeth.

Some of the other ways allergies can affect your oral health include the following:

• Dry mouth — When you have nasal congestion, you might find yourself breathing through your mouth. This decreases your saliva flow and can increase your risk for tooth decay.
• Inflamed gums — Don’t be surprised if your spring allergies lead to swollen, tender gums.
• Bad breath — Sinus drainage can also lead to bad breath, so be sure to keep up with your dental hygiene.

Sinus Pain or Tooth Pain?

If your tooth pain subsides when your allergy symptoms improve, you’ll know not to worry, but here are some other sinus pain indicators:

• Pain in several upper teeth at the same time
• Pain that increases when you bend over or move your head
• A headache accompanied by congestion 

Protecting Your Oral Health: What You Can Do

There are several simple steps you can take to get some relief and protect your oral health, including the following:

• Rinse your nasal passages with a saline rinse to reduce congestion.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid dry mouth.
• Take over-the-counter decongestants to reduce sinus inflammation.
• Try to avoid using sugary cough drops, as they can lead to tooth decay.

Looking for Dental Care in Edwardsville, IL?

If you’re looking for a dental home where the professional team truly cares about you and your family, you’ve come to the right place! At Hite Family Dentistry, we love building relationships with you and your loved ones and helping you achieve healthy smiles that will last a lifetime.

To get started, feel free to reach out to us at (618) 414-9755.

We hope to hear from you soon!