Allergy season in the Bay Area can be long, and many people rely on antihistamines and decongestants for weeks or months at a time. These medications are helpful, but they can affect your mouth in ways that are easy to miss.
How do allergy medications affect teeth?
Many antihistamines and decongestants reduce saliva flow. Saliva rinses away food, neutralizes acids and supplies minerals that help repair early enamel damage. When your mouth stays dry for long periods, the risk of cavities, gum irritation, bad breath and mouth sores can rise. Breathing through your mouth at night because of congestion adds to the dryness.
Do not stop or change a medication on your own. Talk with your physician if side effects are bothering you. In the meantime, there is a lot you can do to protect your teeth.
How can I protect my teeth while taking allergy medicine?
- Sip water throughout the day, especially with meals.
- Chew sugar-free gum or use sugar-free lozenges to stimulate saliva.
- Avoid sucking on sugary cough drops or sipping sweet drinks over long periods.
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth daily.
- Use a humidifier in the bedroom if you wake with a dry mouth.
- Ask your dentist whether a prescription strength fluoride toothpaste makes sense for you.
Read more in our guide to dry mouth and why it matters.
Why do my upper teeth hurt when my allergies flare?
The roots of your upper back teeth sit just below the maxillary sinuses. When the sinuses swell and fill with fluid, the pressure can feel like a toothache. This kind of pain usually affects several upper teeth on one or both sides, gets worse when you bend over and improves as congestion clears.
How can I tell sinus pain from a dental problem?
- More likely sinus: several upper teeth ache at once, you are congested and the pain changes with head position.
- More likely dental: one tooth hurts, pain lingers after cold or sweets, it hurts to bite or the pain continues after your sinuses clear.
If you are not sure, an exam and X-rays can quickly tell the difference.
Allergy season dental care in Palo Alto
If you take allergy medication regularly, let us know at your next visit so we can tailor your preventive care. Palo Alto Oral Health sees patients from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Los Altos and Stanford at our Middlefield Road office. Call (650) 321-9693 or request an appointment for a dental exam.
Sources
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Dry Mouth
This article provides general education and does not replace an individual dental or medical evaluation.
