How Allergies Can Affect Your Gums

If you have allergies, then you are probably familiar with its most common symptoms, which include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, scratchy throat, and coughing. In addition to these, allergies can also affect your oral health. Here are some ways your allergies can affect your gums and what you can do about them:

Bacterial Infections

When you have allergies, elevated levels of histamine can lead to the accumulation of thick mucus inside your nasal cavity. In some cases, bacteria and other microorganisms can contaminate mucus, and if the mucus drips down your throat as a result of post nasal drip, it can make contact with your gum tissue. When this happens, the infection-causing mucus can infiltrate your gums, leading to a severe gum infection. If not recognized and treated promptly, a serious form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, can develop.

This type of gum disease can damage the bones that support your teeth and cause tooth loosening or tooth loss. If you have allergies or chronic sinusitis, visit your dentist on a regular basis for examinations and professional tooth cleanings. In addition, see your allergist, who will recommended an effective treatment option to help manage your symptoms, which will also help keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Bleeding

In addition to raising the risk for gum infections, allergies can also lead to excessive gingival bleeding. One reason why allergies and sinusitis can contribute to bleeding gums is because these conditions often trigger systemic inflammatory responses. When this happens, your gums can become inflamed, which may lead to bleeding.

Another reason for allergy-related bleeding gums is the medications that you take to manage your symptoms. Antihistamines are some of the most common medications used in the treatment of allergies and post nasal drip. While effective in drying up nasal secretions and reducing the symptoms of watery eyes and itching, antihistamines can cause your mouth to become extremely dry.

When salivary flow is impaired as a result of antihistamines or otherwise, bacteria can accumulate inside the oral cavity, which can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. If you take antihistamines to treat your allergies, make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth from drying out. 

If you have allergies, chronic sinusitis, or post nasal drip, see your dentist on a regular basis. He or she will monitor your gums for signs of infection, inflammation, and bleeding. The sooner gum problems are recognized and treated, the less likely you will be to develop periodontitis or tooth loss. 

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