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If you are prone to allergies, you may find they typically flare up twice yearly in the spring and autumn. This can lead to long months of misery where you feel congested, have an itchy nose, throat or mouth, or frequently find you need to sneeze or cough. Often, allergies can cause tingling or swollen lips or will irritate the gums, tongue or mouth. One of the most common ways allergies can affect your oral health is dry mouth. When you are congested, it’s easier to breathe through the mouth instead of through the nose, but unfortunately, this dries up saliva.

How Can Dry Mouth Threaten Oral Health?

Saliva is a protective fluid, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Without it, harmful bacteria can thrive more easily, and dead skin cells and old particles of food are more likely to remain trapped around your teeth. To combat these effects, make sure you drink plenty of water to stay well-hydrated. Some people find it useful to chew sugar-free gum or sweets to stimulate saliva flow. Make sure you brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once-a-day. Also, ensure you take any medications for allergies prescribed by your doctor and which can help to reduce these unpleasant symptoms.