The Link Between Allergies And Dry Mouth
There is no concrete answer to whether allergies can result in dry mouth. Allergic reactions do not directly cause dry mouth, but it can be a repercussion of those allergies. In other words, allergies can cause dry mouth, but more indirectly.
How are allergies and dry mouth connected?
Allergic reactions can give you a dry mouth in three possible ways.
- The most common culprit to talk about is allergic rhinitis. This condition results in congestion in the sinus cavity, making it hard to breathe with your nose. As a result, you are forced to breathe through your mouth, which puts your oral tissues in constant contact with air. This air, along with the bacterial presence, can result in mouth dryness.
- Allergic rhinitis can also cause lack of fluids in the body. This lack of fluids causes dehydration and dry mouth.
- Physicians and pharmacists recommend antihistamines to treat allergies. These medications are known to cause dry mouth.
Impact of dry mouth on your health
Having a dry mouth for a short time is not something to worry about, but if you have chronic allergies, you may suffer from dry mouth for many years. This mouth dryness can affect your oral as well as overall health in several ways. The most notable impacts of dry mouth include a persistent sore throat, difficulty chewing and swallowing foods, difficulty speaking, and several dental diseases, including cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth can also result in cold or canker sores.
Symptoms of dry mouth
It will not be difficult for you to identify symptoms of a dry mouth. You probably have a dry mouth if you have dry sensation in your throat that makes it hard for you to swallow, along with trouble speaking, chewing, and tasting. Dry mouth can also result in a dry tongue, cracked lips, and infections on the sides of your tongue and your inner cheeks.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should visit your doctor as soon as you can. If you are taking medications for allergies, there is a chance that those medications are making your problem worse. In that case, you may want to talk to your doctor about the antihistamine you are taking.
Treatment and prevention
Allergic reactions are almost impossible to avoid, but you can consider using antihistamines, decongestants, corticosteroids, and many other remedies to treat those allergies. Some naturopathic treatments and acupuncture can also provide much-needed relief. To prevent dry mouth, you can use alcohol-free mouthwash twice a day.
Most of the people think of choosing between having a dry mouth after getting treatment for allergic reactions and not having a dry mouth by avoiding any treatment. The latter can be dangerous because it can cause health problems, which might consequently include dry mouth. The best approach is to discuss with the doctor about the treatment that wouldn’t give you a dry mouth.
