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Allergies

Allergies and Tooth Pain

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Tooth Pain?

Yes! One of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity and tooth pain — especially tooth pain that is not related to cavities or tooth decay. It is most common for the front teeth and canine teeth to experience tooth pain and sensitivity, due to their close proximity to the maxillary sinuses, though all roots of the upper arch of teeth can be irritated by allergies.

Allergy Doctor For Tooth Pain - Doctor in Mesa Arizona - Family Allergy Clinic and Wellness Center

Hay Fever and Tooth Pain

Just like allergies cause inflammation of the sinuses, so does hay fever. Seasonal allergies to grass, hay, and other plant allergens can cause tooth pain and sensitivity that radiates out from the root tips.

Worsening Teeth and Oral Hygiene with Allergies

Tooth Pain from Allergies - Doctor in Mesa Arizona - Family Allergy Clinic and Wellness CenterThose who already have poor oral hygiene, grind their teeth, or have existing tooth decay and dental problems may see these problems worsen more quickly during allergy season. Teeth are mobile — they constantly move. Teeth can move farther and more quickly when the tissue around the roots becomes inflamed, infected, and or more pliable.

Wearing retainers during the worst of allergy symptoms may help to reduce the tooth pain and sensitivity associated with allergies, as it will brace the teeth.

Should You See a Dentist Or an Allergist For Tooth Pain from Allergies?

Tooth Pain Allergy Doctor - Doctor in Mesa Arizona - Family Allergy Clinic and Wellness CenterYour dentist can help with all of your teeth and bite needs, but may need help from an allergist to diagnose the sensitivity and tooth pain as coming from the sinuses versus the teeth, gums, and bones surrounding the teeth. Seeing an allergist first, and bringing documentation to your dentist can help show the source of the inflammation and may influence your dentist’s opinion on diagnosing and scheduling of services to alleviate tooth pain.

Root pain caused by allergies can feel exactly as painful as when a tooth has root decay and needs a root canal. The difference is that seasonal allergies will go away and the pain will subside, whereas root decay continues to get worse as the tooth nerve dies. For this reason, working in conjunction with an allergist may be able to save you from unnecessary work  due to a misdiagnosis.

Hay Fever Treatment in Mesa Arizona

Allergist for Sinus and Tooth Pain in Arizona

Family Allergy Clinic in Mesa Arizona can help your family diagnose sinus pain, allergies, and hay fever that may be the cause of your chronic tooth pain and sensitivity. Schedule an appointment with us to start the process.

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Allergies News

September 28 is National Penicillin Allergy Day

Do you know that an estimated 9 out of 10 patients reporting a penicillin allergy are not truly allergic? Approximately 98% of hospitalized patients with a history of a penicillin allergy will have a negative penicillin allergy test². Have you always been told you have a penicillin allergy, but are unsure of the reaction or how it was diagnosed? Why does this matter?

There are several preventable negative outcomes resulting from an inaccurate penicillin allergy diagnosis. An inaccurate diagnosis raises the cost of treatment and patients have a threefold increased risk of adverse events. Some of the adverse events include increased days in the hospital, more Vancomycin-Resistance Enterococci (VRE) infections, higher incidence of C. difficile and MRSA infections. Correct identification of penicillin allergies can also combat the risk of superbugs.

September 28 has been deemed National Penicillin Allergy Day to raise awareness of the impact of carrying a penicillin allergy label. It is important to know your true allergy history. Ask your allergist or healthcare provider if you are a candidate for penicillin allergy testing. The test is easy and takes about an hour.

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Allergies Allergies Arizona News

Ragweed Allergy Testing and Treatment

Do you get a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, red eyes, an itchy throat, headaches, or sneezing episodes every fall? If so, you may be allergic to ragweed. People with asthma often have aggravated symptoms during ragweed pollen season. These symptoms include increased wheezing and coughing.

Pollen from ragweed usually peaks in mid-September, but often causes symptoms beginning in the summer, and can last through late fall. There are 17 species of ragweed in the United States, and the pollen can travel up to 100 miles in the wind, making it difficult to avoid. All varieties of ragweed in the U.S. are classified as severe allergens according to www.pollenlibrary.com. Allergy testing for ragweed and other seasonal allergens can be easily done with a skin test or a blood test. If your allergy test is positive for ragweed, there are several things you can do to help decrease your exposure.

If you are affected by ragweed pollen:

  • Know the pollen counts in your area. Avoid being outside when the pollen counts peak.
  • Keep the windows in your home and in your car closed at all times.
  • If you have been outside, shower before going to bed and wash your hands after petting animals that have been outside. Clothes, shoes, hair, and pets can all track pollen into your home.

Treatment for ragweed allergies include:

  • Over the counter antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, or levocetirizine
  • Nasal sprays
  • Allergen immunotherapy, which can be given via sublingual drops or tablets, or allergy shots
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Allergies

Asthma

Asthma medications are costly with pills and inhalers that can range from $300 to $1,200 a month. But in spite of their high price, these medications don’t solve the asthma problem. They merely treat the symptoms and are often only partially effective at that. Furthermore, asthma medications can have harmful side effects such as tremors, dizziness, nervousness and steroid-related effects.

Fortunately, though, there is hope beyond medications for asthma sufferers. Since the majority of asthma has its root in allergy, proper allergy treatment can often control or eliminate the lung disease. Allergy treatment can be achieved through immunotherapy wherein the body is exposed to gradually increasing amounts of the most common allergens (i.e. pollens, pet dander, etc.) until it learns to tolerate them comfortably. Extracts of the allergens are mixed into a saline solution and administered through allergy shots or, more conveniently, through under-the-tongue allergy drops.

To get started with allergy drops at the Family Allergy Clinic, call 480-827-9945.