Updated April 2022
Seasonal allergies can obnoxiously stuff up your day. Though we’re all for the warmer months, the allergies they bring are not so welcome. Toothaches are also common when allergies are in town. See how a toothache, allergies, and sinus pressure all go hand-in-hand.
When the winters are icy-cold for months on end, plants freeze over, and so does pollen. When the winters are mild, grasses can grow at a small degree all year round. That means they continue to release pollen all year. In either situation, springtime thaws what’s left after winter. Grasses and weeds paired with the wind toss irritants for miles. Your body doesn’t like when you inhale these tiny particles of pollen and dust. It tries its best to keep the harmful stuff out and releases chemicals called histamines. This results in:
- Runny noses
- Itchy eyes
- Sinus pressure
- Increase in mucus production
Springtime means environmental irritants are out in full force. The body’s response to an allergy is to absorb the outside irritant in mucus. This can cause serious congestion and grief. A side effect of this is more pressure in your maxillary sinus area, located under your cheekbones. Your back molars are also in the same area. They’re in close quarters, so when there’s pressure built up, tooth pain is almost inevitable.
Don’t Ignore Allergies and Sinus Pressure
Some allergy sufferers link their mouth misery to tooth decay – but they forget that allergies and sinus pressure are related. Your dentist can tell if it’s simply sinus pressure or something more.
If you have pain in your sinuses or a toothache, the worst thing to do is ignore it. Even though it’s just allergies, these problems can seriously impact your quality of life. Lean forward and press your fingers against your cheekbones. If your pain or toothache increases, it’s probably sinus related.
If you struggle with allergies every year (or all year), create a seasonal game plan with your doctor. This may include antihistamines or nasal rinsing. To see what’s best for your allergy-inspired toothache, talk with your dentist and your doctor.
Here are some clues that your tooth pain is not from allergies and requires a dental visit:
- You have a history of dental problems
- Your pain is confined to one specific tooth
- Tooth pain persists, even after allergy symptoms and pressure have subsided
Seasonal allergies affect everyone differently. Your dentist and doctor can give you the most accurate diagnosis for your specific problems. But don’t wait for the pain to disappear; spring into action and visit your doctor and dentist for a smile fit for all seasons.
