Allergy season can be rough on your sinuses, but it can also wreak havoc on your dental health as well. Many of the side-effects of seasonal allergies and the medications we take to manage them can cause unwanted side-effects such as dry mouth and halitosis.
Many people will experience dry mouth, or xerostomia, which is a common side effect of many over-the-counter allergy medications. Especially antihistamines, which have a natural drying action.
Dry mouth can lead to issues like a higher risk of tooth decay. The longer you stay on an antihistamine or allergy medication, the greater the effects of xerostomia.
Sinusitis, a common allergy symptom, often causes mucous drainage and sinus pressure. In most scenarios, individuals will develop a "post nasal drip" or drainage in the back of their throat. This mucous drainage can, and often does, contribute to bad breath. When it's amplified by a dry mouth, that drainage will tend to smell even worse. And unfortunately, the back of your throat isn't an area you can clean with normal oral hygiene aids.
There are some things you can do to protect your dental health even if you suffer from seasonal allergies. One of the most important things is to drink plenty of water. Water will keep your mouth hydrated and lubricated. This will also help minimize your risk of tooth decay or chronic bad breath. It is also important to speak with your allergist about medications that might cause dry mouth and how to prevent it, such as by taking a medication before bedtime instead of in the morning.
Similarly, you can use hydrating mouth rinse or toothpaste to help battle the xerostomia symptoms. Sipping on water throughout the day or chewing sugar-free gum can also help with keeping your mouth moist.
Always see your dental provider for regular checkups and ask them about tips for managing dry mouth with seasonal allergies.