{"id":141,"date":"2021-03-01T15:06:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T15:06:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nelsondentalcarela.com\/blog\/?p=141"},"modified":"2021-04-07T17:52:49","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T17:52:49","slug":"seasonal-allergies-and-dental-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nelsondentalcarela.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/01\/seasonal-allergies-and-dental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t Let Seasonal Allergies Harm Your Smile!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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It\u2019s hard to be excited about the fact that spring is in the air when you know it will just make your eyes itchy and your nose runny. Unfortunately, constantly blowing your nose isn\u2019t the only thing you have to worry about. Believe it or not, high allergen levels can also harm your smile because seasonal allergies can directly affect your dental health. Here\u2019s what you need to know about protecting your smile<\/a> while dealing with seasonal allergies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Causes Seasonal Allergies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Trees and grass pollinate every spring and fall, leaving substances in the air that may irritate your upper respiratory tract. Ragweed, dust mites, mold and more can trigger an immune system response that includes symptoms like coughing and nasal congestion. Not only are these issues annoying, but they can have serious consequences for your smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do Seasonal Allergies Affect Dental Health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, can result in a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, irritated gums, and an itchy mouth, throat, or nose. If your nose is congested, you may have to breathe through your mouth. However, mouth-breathing can easily decrease saliva production. Insufficient levels of saliva make your mouth an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that contribute to cavities and gum disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, post-nasal drip can lead to toothache-like symptoms. The excess mucus production might exert pressure on your sinuses. Since the sinuses are right behind the roots of your upper teeth, it may feel as though you have tooth pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Protecting Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are a few things you can do to relieve your allergy symptoms while also safeguarding your smile from potential harm:<\/p>\n\n\n\n