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Can allergies affect oral health?

June 29, 2023
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Allergies are a common health concern that can affect different parts of the body. It is widely known that allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, but did you know that allergies can also impact oral health? In the present article, we’ll delve into the five leading ways allergies can affect oral health, the importance of informing your dentist about your allergies, dental treatments recommended during allergy season, and tips for maintaining oral health while experiencing allergies.

 

Dry Mouth 

Allergies can cause a dry mouth, which occurs when the mouth does not produce any or enough saliva. Saliva has a crucial function in preserving optimal oral hygiene by washing away bacteria and neutralizing acid. Without enough saliva, harmful bacteria can accumulate in the mouth. An accumulation of bacteria can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Tooth Sensitivity 

Allergies can also cause tooth sensitivity, especially to hot or cold temperatures. This is because allergies can lead to sinus pressure and inflammation, which can put pressure on the roots of the teeth, causing discomfort.

Oral Sores 

Some allergies, such as food allergies, can cause oral sores. These sores can be painful and affect the ability to eat and drink comfortably.

Inflamed Gums 

Allergies can cause inflammation throughout the body, including in the gums. This inflammation can make the gums more susceptible to infection, leading to gum disease.

Impaired Healing 

Allergies can impair the body’s ability to heal, impacting the healing process after dental procedures such as cleanings and fillings. This can lead to longer healing times and a higher risk of infection. Ask your dentist about Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. This intervention can notably speed up the recovery process and assist with tissue regeneration after dental procedures like bone grafts, dental implants, tooth removal, or maxillofacial and oral surgeries. Therefore if you are scheduled for a dental procedure, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy can assist in your recovery. PRP has no side effects or risks; any person undergoing dental or oral surgery is a good candidate. However, PRP may not be a good fit for those with a bleeding disorder.

It’s crucial to let your dentist know about any allergies you have because they can tailor treatments to your specific needs. For example, suppose you have a latex allergy. In this case, your dentist can use non-latex gloves and materials during your appointment to avoid an allergic reaction.

During allergy season, it is recommended to schedule dental treatments such as cleanings and fillings earlier in the day when pollen counts are on the lower side. It is also essential to take any allergy medication as directed by your doctor to manage symptoms.

 

Here are four tips for maintaining oral health when experiencing allergies:

  1. Stay hydrated! This is essential to keep your mouth healthy and moist, therefore preventing dry mouth.
  2. Use a saline nasal spray to help reduce sinus pressure and inflammation.
  3. Practice good oral hygiene! Include the habit of brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once a day.
  4. Avoid foods that trigger your allergies to prevent oral sores.

 

In conclusion, allergies can have a significant impact on oral health. Dry mouth, tooth sensitivity, oral sores, inflamed gums, and impaired healing are all potential issues that can arise during allergy season. Informing your dentist about any allergies is crucial to make certain that they can deliver the highest quality of care to you. By adhering to these guidelines and collaborating with your dentist, you can maintain good oral health even during allergy season. Need more information on oral health when experiencing allergies? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!

Ready when you are

Lamine Diallo
Lamine Diallo
3 years ago
My family and I have been receiving care from Dr. Ashraf and his amazing team since we first moved to Waterloo in 2002. His assessment skills are spot on, he is gentle and is very skilled at working with anxious\nervous patients. My dental hygienist is Lin who is very knowledgeable, and passionate about her work. She is amazingly gentle yet very,very thorough when it comes to preventative dental care. She is didactic as well, taking the time to teach patients how to use certain equipment as well as addressing gingivitis in pro-active ways. We are in very capable hands.
Trisa Kapetaneas
Trisa Kapetaneas
3 years ago
I have been a patient here for over 2 years now and I've always enjoyed the experience. The staff are professional and have always made me feel comfortable. I recently had a cleaning done by Lynn for the first time and she was amazing! Will continue to visit for my checkups/cleanings.
Aamir Mirza
Aamir Mirza
3 years ago
Dr. Ashraf and his team is amazing. All work done under one umbrella for entire family. We all are very happy to be under the care for the last 20 plus years. Lin, dental hygienist is remarkable professional. She knows her job so well that I look forward to my cleaning every time I'm scheduled. Thank you Lin for your amazing work for my entire family!
Alena Delena
Alena Delena
3 years ago
My family loves Dr Ashraf. We've been through many dentists in many cities and he's by far our favourite one. He's always thorough and professional. His referrals are also of equal high caliber. I went to him for a root canal and a crown. I had many concerns and he addressed them all personally. He even went so far as to redo a root canal for me. Recommend.
Nicole Wood
Nicole Wood
3 years ago
I found Ashraf Dentistry a year ago and I absolutely love their dental clinic. Everyone is very kind and thorough. Lin is the best dental hygienist I've ever had! She takes the time to ensure I receive the care I need. Both dentists I've seen have also been very kind and wonderful at making me feel like my teeth are being taken care of. Highly recommend!
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