Spring has arrived! If your child is among the many with seasonal allergies (or hay fever), you’re likely familiar with the sneezing and runny nose that accompany nature’s reawakening. Yet, waking up with a sore jaw or toothache amidst a typical allergy season can be puzzling. Can allergies trigger dental pain, or might it signal another issue? Fear not! Our Watagua dentist has you covered! In this post, the board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Jairo Montoya, delves into the connection between allergies and oral pain.
More Pressure, More Problems
The sinuses are empty air-filled cavities in the skull and facial bones that connect to the nose. When inflamed due to allergies, they can cause facial pain and pressure, impacting areas close to the ears and teeth. If your child’s jaw pain started around the time their seasonal allergies flared up and they’re all stuffy, it’s probably due to allergies and airway obstruction.
Consequently, airway obstruction can trigger the body’s teeth-grinding reflex to help open the airway. Sometimes, no treatment is needed. Other times, your child’s doctor might suggest an over-the-counter allergy med. Once the allergies and sinus swelling clear up, the tooth and jaw pain should go away, too. If this is a continuous issue, your child may need an airway assessment to check if a maxillary palatal expander will help improve the airway.
Breathe In, Breathe Out
Apart from sinus pressure, you may notice that your child breathes through their mouth when congested. Sadly, congestion tends to worsen at night when lying down, potentially leading to mouth breathing throughout sleep.
Additionally, mouth breathing inevitably causes dry mouth–leaving your enamel defenseless against tooth decay. Researchers have discovered that the acidity level in those who breathe through their mouths is significantly higher than that of those who don’t. Naturally acidic oral environments can burn through enamel faster in such cases, causing more cavities.
Sit Back & Relax (The Jaws)
Plus, sustaining an open mouth for extended periods strains the tempormandibular joint (TMJ) and facial muscles, possibly resulting in fatigue and soreness. Unfortunately, overuse of the jaw due to persistent coughing and sneezing from allergies can contribute to jaw pain.
When these actions are repeated frequently, the muscles that control jaw movement can become strained, leading to tension and discomfort in the jaw area. Parents should be aware of these potential issues and seek appropriate care to alleviate any discomfort their child may experience.
Connect With Our Watagua Dentist Today
If you’re concerned about your child’s myofascial discomfort, be it related to allergies or other causes, we recommend scheduling a visit at Aviator Pediatric Dentistry. Our Watagua dentist is dedicated to addressing your child’s pain with empathy and expertise, ensuring they receive the specialized care they need to feel comfortable and well again. Give us a call or send us a short message so that we can help your kid smile without pain.