While definitely the most beautiful season of them all, springtime can be quite troublesome for those who are sensitive to pollen and other allergens.

This is because these springtime allergens give rise to the same symptoms that one experiences when they suffer from the common cold.

And when not treated in time, they start spreading to other parts of your body, more specifically, to your teeth and gums.

To find out more about how this works, we asked Dr. Susan Stukes, a certified oral health specialist from the Philadelphia practice Seva Life, to give us the lowdown on dental health problems during springtime!

Understanding Springtime Dental Pain

When exposed to allergens such as pollen and other bacteria, your body activates its immune system. This leads to the release of a nitrous compound known as histamine, which is what causes your nose’s mucous membrane to become inflamed. What results is sneezing, nasal congestion, and a whole lot of itchiness.

Allergens that affect your sinuses—bacteria, smoke, fungal spores, and pollen—can lead to infections if nothing is done to treat them. Your sinuses and teeth are very close to each other. So eventually, the infection spreads to the nerves in your face and then to your dental roots. As a result, this simple case of sinusitis becomes a dental issue as well. This usually manifests as pain in the upper row of teeth.

A Case of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is another common problem that people experience during springtime; it’s also related to allergies. Your saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving your overall dental health. But because your nose is inflamed and clogged, you usually breathe through your mouth, which causes your mouth to dry out.

Undue Pressure

It also doesn’t help that when your body produces extra mucus to get rid of allergens, the build-up causes pressure to build up in your maxillary sinuses, which are located under your cheekbones and go to the root tips of your upper molars. As a result, you feel more pain in your facial muscles, without knowing that it’s your sinuses that are causing it.

Treating Dental Pain

The best way of treating your dental pain is by going to a professional oral health specialist who can help you get to the bottom of it.

If you’re located in Southern New Jersey or Philadelphia, book an appointment at Seva Life with Dr. Susan Stukes.

Springtime allergies can lead to bigger trouble than just a runny nose. Taking preemptive measures will ensure that you spend your spring days happily, without worrying about those aches and pangs in your teeth and gums!