Can Allergies Make Your Teeth Hurt?

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a foreign substance or allergen, such as pollen, mold, dust, pet dander, food particles, and insect stings. These allergens trigger an immune response in the body that causes inflammation in the nasal passages, sinuses, throat, and lungs.

In addition to the upper respiratory symptoms caused by allergic reactions, people may experience mouth-related issues such as:

• Dry mouth
• A sore throat
• Swelling of the gums
• Itching in the mouth
• Sore tongue
• Bleeding from the nose or gums

People with asthma are more likely to have an oral allergy syndrome called allergic rhinitis. This condition causes swollen and irritated nasal passages, resulting in congestion and a runny nose. One of the most common triggers for oral allergies is seasonal allergies to tree pollen. Oral infections can become severe in people with weakened immune systems.

How Do Allergies Cause Tooth Pain?

It’s not the allergy itself that causes the pain, but your body’s reaction to the allergen that prompts your reaction. For example, if you have a bee sting allergy, you may get an itchy rash and hives on your skin. However, an allergic reaction can also affect your mouth. When your throat swells up, or you develop canker sores in your mouth, it can increase sensitivity in your mouth and cause toothaches. If you have a food allergy, eating the food you’re allergic to can cause your mouth to swell and result in sensitive teeth.

During an allergy attack, your body releases chemicals like histamines and leukotrienes into the bloodstream, resulting in inflammation. Your immune system also responds by producing extra mucus to protect the body from allergens. This extra mucus collects in the sinuses and causes congestion. The swelling of the congested sinuses will also affect the jaw joints, creating tension that can make your teeth hurt.

Inflammation in the mouth can also increase the sensitivity of the nerves inside your teeth, sending pain signals to the brain. In some cases, this can trigger a headache. By treating the underlying allergies with medications and getting treatment for the symptoms, the cause of your tooth pain can be minimized. Treating your allergies may also reduce your risk of future tooth problems.

If you suspect you have a food allergy or suffer from seasonal allergies, please make an appointment with your general dentist or a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose and treat your symptoms to improve your quality of life.

To learn more, contact Healthy Smiles of Saint Louis at 4224 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63109, or call (314) 832-1366.