From Sneezes to Smiles: How Seasonal Allergies Affect Your Oral Health
Seasonal allergies can cause itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing fits. But have you ever considered how they might be affecting your oral health too? If you’ve ever dealt with a dry mouth during allergy season or noticed your gums feeling extra sensitive, you’re not alone. Our Ashland, OR dentist, Dr. James Burneson can help you understand how those springtime sniffles impact your teeth and gums, and how Today’s Dentistry can help you breathe (and smile) easier — no matter the season.
If you’re struggling with seasonal allergies, contact our Ashland dental office today by calling (541) 482-7771.
Why Ashland Patients Choose Today’s Dentistry
At Today’s Dentistry in Ashland, OR, we understand how interconnected your overall health is with your dental wellness. Whether you’re from Phoenix, Talent, Jacksonville, or Ashland proper, our goal is to make your visits informative, comfortable, and impactful. Here’s what our patient David M. had to say:
- “I have found my dental tribe. Have you ever felt you’ve been wandering the earth searching for your dental soul mate? Search no further. If you are looking for a dental team that will support your optimal dental health while helping you navigate all of your dental decisions, then bring the technical services chair side with a positive, confident, caring team. I found it. That’s what this feels like.”
That’s the kind of experience we aim to provide every day — precise, compassionate care from the best dentist in Ashland, OR.
The Allergy-Oral Health Connection
When pollen levels spike in Ashland, Medford, Talent, and other nearby areas, your immune system might go into overdrive. While most people expect sinus congestion and watery eyes, few realize the toll allergies can take on your mouth.
Here’s how allergies affect your oral health:
- Dry Mouth: Allergies and the antihistamines used to treat them can reduce saliva, leading to dry mouth — a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Tooth Pain: Sinus pressure can cause upper molar pain, mimicking a toothache.
- Bad Breath: Congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth, drying it out and worsening halitosis.
- Swollen Gums: Post-nasal drip and inflammation can irritate your gums, leading to tenderness and swelling.
Knowing this, it’s no surprise that many patients around Ashland and surrounding communities are caught off guard when allergy season overlaps with dental discomfort.
How to Protect Your Smile During Allergy Season
Even during peak allergy months in Southern Oregon, you can take steps to keep your oral health in check:
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps combat dry mouth and rinses away allergens.
- Brush More Often: Brushing after exposure to pollen removes irritants from your mouth and gums.
- Change Your Toothbrush: Replace your toothbrush more often during allergy season to reduce re-exposure to allergens.
- Try Nasal Rinses: Clearing your sinuses can reduce referred pain and pressure in your upper jaw.
If you’re unsure whether that toothache is from allergies or something more serious, it’s best to consult with the best dentist near you, like Dr. Burneson, your trusted Ashland dentist.
When to See a Dentist During Allergy Season
If you’re experiencing persistent toothaches, dry mouth, or swollen gums that don’t go away with allergy treatment, it’s time to book a dental check-up with our Ashland dentist by calling (541) 482-7771. Dr. Burneson is here to help pinpoint the root of your symptoms and keep your smile strong year-round.
We proudly serve Ashland and nearby towns like Medford, Talent, Jacksonville, and Phoenix, OR.
Frequently Asked Questions
Protecting your oral health during allergy season starts with simple daily habits. Drink plenty of water to combat dry mouth, brush and floss regularly to remove allergens and bacteria, and consider using a saline nasal rinse to relieve sinus pressure that can mimic tooth pain. It’s also smart to replace your toothbrush more frequently during allergy season, especially if you’re sneezing or congested often. At Today’s Dentistry in Ashland, OR, Dr. James Burneson and his team offer personalized advice and cleanings to help patients in Ashland, Medford, Talent, and nearby towns stay ahead of allergy-related dental issues.
Sinus pressure is a common culprit. The sinuses sit just above your upper molars, and when they become inflamed or congested due to allergies, the pressure can push down on your tooth roots, causing pain that feels like a toothache. This can be alarming, but it’s not always dental-related. Still, it’s important to rule out actual dental problems. If you’re experiencing this type of discomfort, visit Today’s Dentistry, the best dentist near you in Ashland, OR. Dr. Burneson can assess whether your pain is sinus-related or an early sign of a dental issue.
Don’t Let Allergies Steal Your Smile – Schedule an Appointment at Our Ashland Office!
Seasonal allergies don’t just affect your nose — they can wreak havoc on your mouth too. With a little care and the help of a skilled dental team, you can protect your oral health even when the pollen’s at its worst. Trust Today’s Dentistry, the best dentist near you, for compassionate care and long-term wellness. Schedule a dental visit with the top dentist in Ashland by calling (541) 482-7771.