Seasonal allergies can stuff up your day. Though we’re all excited for warmer months, the allergies they bring are not as welcoming. As the weather starts to warm, it can cause sneezes, wheezes and even toothaches. Here’s how a toothache, allergies and sinus pressure all go hand-in-hand.
Winter brings icy-cold temperatures causing plants and pollen to freeze. Springtime thaws what’s left after winter—grasses and weeds paired with the wind toss irritants for miles. Your body doesn’t like when you inhale these tiny particles of pollen and dust. It tries its best to keep the harmful stuff out and releases histamines. This results in:
- Runny nose
- Itchy eyes
- Sinus pressure
- And an overall increase in mucus production.
Springtime means environmental irritants are out in full force. The body’s response to an allergy is to absorb the outside irritant in mucus. This can cause serious congestion. A side effect of this is more pressure in your maxillary sinus area, located under your cheekbones. Your back molars are in the same area. So, tooth pain is almost inevitable when there’s pressure built up.
DON’T IGNORE ALLERGIES AND SINUS PRESSURE
Some allergy sufferers link their mouth misery to tooth decay. But they forget that allergies and sinus pressure are related. Your dentist can always tell if it’s simply sinus pressure or something more.
If you have pain in your sinuses or a toothache, the worst thing to do is ignore it. Even though it’s just allergies, these problems can seriously impact your quality of life. Lean forward and press your fingers against your cheekbones. If your pain or toothache increases, it’s probably sinus-related.
If you struggle with allergies every year (or all year), create a seasonal game plan with your doctor. This may include antihistamines or nasal rinsing. Talk with your dentist and doctor to see what’s best for your allergy-inspired toothache.
Clues your tooth pain is not from allergies and requires a dental visit:
- You have a history of dental problems.
- Your pain is confined to one specific tooth.
- Tooth pain persists, even after allergy symptom and pressure has subsided.
Seasonal allergies affect everyone differently. Your dentist and doctor can give you the most accurate diagnosis for your specific problems. Don’t wait for the pain to disappear. Spring into action! Visit your doctor and dentist for a smile fit for all seasons. To see the pollen count in your area, visit weather.com.
