How to Beat the Unpleasant Symptoms from Spring Allergy Medications

by | Apr 10, 2012 | Dry Mouth

Spring brings more than a fresh feeling in the air, tulips emerging from the ground, and new leaves bursting out of tree branches, as it is often accompanied by many unpleasant allergy symptoms as well.  The symptoms can range from dry mouth, itchy eyes, sniffing, and sneezing – none of which are pleasant.

Dry mouth is one of the most common oral side-effects seen from allergy medicine, antihistamines, and other medications.

Unfortunately, dry mouth can also cause halitosis (bad breath). Luckily, in this newsletter we are also sharing ways to beat that too!

The overall goal with flushing away dry mouth is to increase the flow of saliva.  Some simple ways to do this is to ensure that you are brushing twice a day, especially before bedtime, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

And here are a few other ways to beat dry mouth:

1. Drink lots of water. It’s a common solution to so many problems, it almost sounds cliché, but we can’t stress this enough. Every time you exhale water escapes your body, so even with little physical activity, your body is using that H20. Aim to drink 8 glass of 8oz each per day.

2. Breathe from your nose. Breathing out of your mouth, especially while you sleep, is one of the primary reasons for prolonged dry mouth.  Make a conscious effort to close your mouth at night, and breathe from your nose, so you won’t wake up parched!

3. Eat water logged snacks such as celery or grapes, or foods with liquids like soups or stews. You can also add other liquids to your foods by using sauces, gravies, and broths.

4. Cut down on coffee and alcohol, both of which are diuretics and can dehydrate you.

5. Check your medications, as many meds have dry mouth as a side effect. You can discuss this with us or your primary doctor.

If you don’t treat dry mouth, it can lead to more serious oral issues. Tooth decay occurs commonly with dry mouth, be sure to understand what the underlying cause is of your symptoms and take the necessary steps to improve it.

If all else fails, we are happy to discuss your particular issues and may be able to recommend an artificial saliva product, which is available in a rinse or spray.