Spring is here, but so is this
Spring is definitely springing, and I’m sure many of us are enjoying the longer days and warmer weather.
But there is one drawback for many people: the return of hay fever.
If you’re a sufferer, you’ll know the symptoms well – sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose – but you might not be aware of how it impacts your oral health.
When your allergies flare up, your body produces more histamines – affecting not just your nose and eyes, but your mouth too.Here’s how hay fever can affect your oral health:
1. Dry mouth – Blocked noses often lead to mouth breathing, which can dry out your mouth and reduce saliva. As saliva helps protect against tooth decay, less of it means a higher risk of cavities.
2. Bad breath – Less saliva means bacteria build up more easily, causing bad breath.
3. Sore throat & irritation – Post-nasal drip can cause irritation, which may make your mouth and throat feel uncomfortable.
4. Tooth sensitivity – Sinus pressure from hay fever can sometimes feel like toothache, especially in the upper teeth.
Alongside your usual allergy treatments, a few simple steps can help ease symptoms and support your oral health.
1. Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth moist and supports saliva production.
2. Keep up good oral hygiene – Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, and consider an alcohol-free mouthwash if your mouth feels dry.
3. Try local honey – Some people find local honey may help with hay fever, as it contains small amounts of local pollen. It also has natural antibacterial properties, which can benefit oral health as part of a balanced diet.
One of our long-standing patients, Geoff, is an experienced beekeeper who produces his own honey locally, so if you’re interested in trying local honey, we’d be happy to put you in touch with him – just let us know and we’ll pass his details on.
These small steps can make a big difference to your comfort and oral health – if you do notice dry mouth, sensitivity, or anything unusual, don’t ignore it – please get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment.
I hope these pointers help you keep hayfever at bay and enjoy spring springing!
Ketan
