Sneezing, coughing, itchy face and red eyes. April and May are the months when spring allergies tend to appear, causing some discomfort, especially in the area of the eyes, nose and mouth. This is because, in the season when the days start to get warmer, there is a greater concentration of pollen in the air, which promotes an increase in allergic reactions and, consequently, can compromise oral health.

"It is very common that, in the spring, pollen in the air worsens the symptoms of allergy sufferers. However, even if it is seasonal, it is very important to be aware of the main symptoms - which essentially consist of increased coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion and itching on the face and body - so that they do not evolve into more serious situations", says Ana Ribeiro, a dentist at Malo Clinic Porto. In fact, "in addition to respiratory problems, such as asthma, and skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis, allergies can also have negative consequences for oral health", she explains.

Thus, and at a time when spring allergies are already being felt, Ana Ribeiro reveals four consequences of this condition for oral health and how to prevent them:

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1- Dry mouth and risk of tooth decay

Nasal congestion - very common during spring allergies - can lead patients to breathe through their mouths, which increases dryness and promotes a decrease in salivation. In addition to bad breath, this behavior can also increase the risk of tooth decay and oral infections, since saliva plays a very important role in protecting the teeth and tissues of the mouth. To prevent this from happening, in case of nasal congestion it is essential to drink plenty of water and ensure respiratory comfort in closed spaces, using a humidifier, for example, which helps to relieve symptoms such as dry skin and throat, asthma and nasal congestion.

2- Inflammation of the oral mucosa

Some allergens such as pollen and certain anti-allergic medications can come into contact with the oral mucosa - that is, the membrane that lines the inside of the mouth - when inhaled or ingested. This contact can cause irritation and inflammation of the mouth, such as stomatitis, causing pain, swelling, ulcers or blisters in the mouth and also a burning sensation. Although the lesions caused by inflammation tend to pass after two weeks, specific medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms and combat infection. However, the best way to prevent it is essentially to perform oral hygiene habits regularly with a soft toothbrush, adopt a healthy diet and maintain hydration.

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3- Consequences of oral breathing

In children, oral breathing can compromise the correct development of the mouth and jaws, causing functional and aesthetic problems in the future. It is essential to identify these consequences as early as possible to minimize the impact they can have on the child's oral health and sleep. In addition, congestion of the airways caused by allergies can increase the intensity of bruxism, the disorder of clenching and grinding of the teeth, or sleep apnea, characterized by frequent blockage of the airways during sleep. These disorders, in addition to affecting the quality of sleep, also compromise oral health by damaging the teeth. In more acute moments of allergy, a daily routine of nasal irrigation and cleaning is also recommended, to avoid nasal obstructions during the night.

4- Increased risk of sinusitis

Spring allergies can also lead to inflammation of the sinuses, causing sinusitis. This condition not only causes nasal discomfort, but can also affect the teeth and cause orofacial pain. This happens because sinusitis leads to swelling and inflammation of the nasal cavities. To treat this type of inflammation, antibiotics, decongestants and analgesics tend to be prescribed, and the most effective way to prevent it is to gently blow your nose whenever necessary, avoid very polluted environments, as well as very cold and humid or very dry environments, and maintain regular consultations with specialized health professionals.

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