Spring in San Antonio is a beautiful time of year. Blooming flowers, warmer weather, and lush greenery make it a season to look forward to. However, spring comes with its challenges, including seasonal allergies. From sneezing and watery eyes to wheezing and sinus pressure, allergies can wreak havoc on your daily routine. For individuals living with braces in Stone Oak, managing seasonal allergies takes on an added layer of complexity. 

The Connection Between Allergies and Oral Health

You might be surprised to learn that seasonal allergies don’t just affect your breathing and sinuses. They can also significantly impact your dental health. If you are wearing braces, several allergy-related symptoms can interfere with your orthodontic care:

• Sinus Congestion and Pressure: Allergies often lead to sinus inflammation, which can cause discomfort radiating to the upper teeth and jaw. This added pressure may make your braces feel tighter or more uncomfortable than usual.
• Dry Mouth: Mouth breathing caused by allergies dries out the mouth, increasing the risk of oral health issues like cavities, bad breath, and gum irritation. The presence of braces makes it even more vital to combat dry mouth effectively.
• Sore Throat and Irritated Gums: Postnasal drip from allergies can lead to sore throats and irritated gums. This irritation may make it more uncomfortable to adjust to orthodontic changes or maintain your braces properly.
• Fatigue and Reduced Oral Hygiene Motivation: Allergy fatigue is real! During allergy flare-ups, you may feel less motivated to adhere to your braces care routine, such as diligently brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

6 Secrets for Managing Spring Allergies with Braces

Don’t worry! There are multiple ways to manage these challenges and ensure your braces treatment stays on track while keeping your oral health in check. Here are six practical tips:

1. Stay Hydrated.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to combat dry mouth caused by mouth breathing. Hydration helps restore moisture in your mouth and assists in washing away food debris and bacteria around your braces.

2. Use a Humidifier. 

Adding moisture to the air in your home with a humidifier can help reduce dry mouth. This is especially helpful at night, as allergies and mouth breathing tend to worsen while you sleep.

3. Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene. 

Take extra care to maintain your oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth thoroughly, focusing on cleaning around your braces and brackets. Don’t skip flossing; consider using floss threaders or braces-specific flossers to make the process easier. Rinse with an alcohol-free mouthwash to help protect your teeth and gums.

4. Treat Your Allergies.

Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, can help alleviate allergy symptoms like nasal congestion. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure the medication is appropriate. By managing your allergies, you can reduce mouth breathing and other oral health symptoms.

5. Be Gentle on Inflamed Gums.

If your gums feel extra sensitive due to postnasal drip or dry mouth, consider using orthodontic wax to cushion the sharp edges of your braces and reduce irritation. You can also switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush to lessen discomfort while brushing.

6. Avoid Sugary or Acidic Foods. 

Sticky, sugary, and acidic foods can exacerbate oral health issues like cavity formation, especially when dealing with dry mouth. Opt for healthier snacks like fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts that won’t cling to your braces.

Begin Braces in Stone Oak

Braces are an investment in your future smile, and caring for them now ensures great results later. If you’re experiencing discomfort or have concerns about managing allergies with braces, contact our Stone Oak orthodontic office today. Board-certified Orthodontist, Dr. Eric Schatz, and our dedicated team can adjust your braces for relief and provide tips on maintaining oral health during allergy season.