Let’s Talk About Seasonal Allergies

Spring is in the air, but for some of us, that means a season of sniffles and sneezing as we battle allergies. Allergies can cause an itchy nose, eyes or throat, and fits of coughing and sneezing, but did you realise they can also affect your oral health? Seasonal allergies can irritate your gums, tongue and lips, but the biggest problem is dry mouth.

Whenever you are congested, it’s much easier to breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. While this might make you feel more comfortable, mouth breathing quickly dries your mouth and can seriously affect your dental health. This is because saliva helps protect you against gum disease and tooth decay, and it makes your mouth feel much fresher too!

If you do suffer from allergies, make sure you drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum which helps to stimulate saliva flow. Be sure to keep up with your twice-daily tooth brushing and once-a-day flossing routine and take the allergy medicines recommended by your doctor to reduce congestion. If possible, it can be helpful to stay indoors on windy days when pollen levels are higher or wear a mask when out and about.