Allergies are an extremely common yet somewhat mysterious phenomenon. Sometimes, allergies can produce effects in the body that are wildly different than what one might expect. One such odd effect of allergies is that they can cause the teeth to hurt. Not everyone with allergies will experience this symptom, but it can be a very frustrating reality for those who do. If you have allergies and worry that they may cause your teeth to hurt, take a look at this guide, which shares information about this symptom and may help you determine if you would benefit from allergy treatment.
What Is an Allergic Reaction?
Allergies are a complex condition that involves an improper immune system response to a trigger that would otherwise be relatively harmless. There are many different types of allergic reactions, and their severity can range from relatively mild to life-threatening. Managing allergies can be a life-long task, though some people with allergies grow out of them or see them come and go throughout their lifetime.
Can Allergies Cause Teeth to Hurt?
Although they are rarely the immediate consideration of people experiencing dental pain, allergies can make a patient’s teeth hurt. The source of this issue lies in the sinuses, which are directly connected to the mouth.
Over the course of an allergic reaction, the maxillary sinuses can become inflamed near the upper teeth and jaw, which can, in turn, place high amounts of pressure on the roots of the front teeth. This can cause mild to moderate amounts of pain in the teeth that are impacted by this phenomenon. Taking steps to clean the sinuses can help to eliminate allergies as a source of tooth pain.
Symptoms of Allergy-Related Tooth Pain
Beyond experiencing dental pain, patients with allergies may experience other symptoms as a result of their condition. Some of these symptoms can be easily confused with other medical conditions, which can create difficulties for doctors and patients when determining medical history. Allergy symptoms that often accompany dental pain and are commonly mistaken for other conditions include:
- Facial pain near the upper teeth
- Nasal congestion and stuffy noses
- Jaw pain
All of the above symptoms can accompany the frontal tooth pain that is induced by an allergic reaction. Learning how to manage your allergies can lower your chance of experiencing such discomfort.
Treating Allergy-Related Tooth Pain
There are several steps you can take to try to manage allergy-related tooth pain. The following methods have proven effective in managing this type of pain:
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the part of your mouth where you are experiencing discomfort can help diminish it.
- Humidifiers: Increasing the amount of moisture in the air can be very effective in decreasing pressure and inflammation in the sinuses.
- Antihistamines: Sometimes, over-the-counter drugs like Benadryl can be effective at lessening a patient’s sinus pain.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drinking plenty of fluids can help clear your sinuses, thus reducing pain and keeping your body moisturized.
- Using a Sinus Rinse: Using a saline solution to rinse your sinuses can help to decongest them and reduce the amount of pain that a patient experiences.
Your dentist may have additional recommendations for you in terms of managing your experience with dental pain. In the case that you use nasal decongestant sprays, be sure not to overuse them, as our bodies can rapidly increase tolerance to these sprays and make them ineffective in the long run.
Oral Allergy Syndrome
Another source of dental pain caused by allergic reactions is a condition known as oral allergy syndrome. This condition usually impacts those who are allergic to pollens or other air-borne substances. Common triggers of this condition include:
- Pears, peaches, and other stone fruit
- Ragweed
- Grass
- Latex
- Melons and cucumbers
Oral allergy syndrome can cause swelling and discomfort in the throat, lips, gums, and teeth. Learning the types of common triggers for oral allergy syndrome can help you avoid them and avoid the risk of an allergic attack.
The Best Allergist in New York
Dr. Mayank Shukla is one of the most highly regarded allergist specialists in New York City. If you have questions about managing your allergies and would like to know how to reduce their impact on your life, contact Dr. Shukla today.
