Allergies and Toothaches - As if constant sneezing didn't hurt enough!

In the spring, we see a number of patients with tooth pain in their upper molars and it turns out pollen is a big culprit.

When you are congested, your sinus cavities create mucus and can swell, becoming inflamed or infected, causing the sinuses to press on the roof of your mouth.  Your sinus cavities are above the roof of your mouth which rests above your maxillary (upper) molars and premolars.  The inflammation can indirectly cause pain in the nerves of the teeth, presenting the following symptoms:

•          Pain when biting
•          Throbbing sensation
•          Sensitivity to cold

Think of it this way:  when you fill a balloon you are able to press your finger into it without it popping, however, there is a great amount of pressure surrounding your finger.  Your sinuses are like that balloon, creating pressure over your teeth.

How can you treat this?  After your dentist rules out no possible tooth infection, there are a number of remedies to reduce sinus congestion:

·         Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, Zertec, Allegra)

·         Advil to reduce inflammation

·         Saline Spray

·         Air Purifier at home & closed windows while driving

So watch out for that pollen and its ability to mimic a toothache!

We All Need Our Beauty Sleep

            A good night’s rest does wonders for the body.  Sleep apnea, however, can disrupt the ability of a person to get a full night’s sleep. Recent studies done at various medical facilities have found that sleep apnea may cause more serious problems than fatigue. 

            Several physicians have concluded that patients with sleep apnea, on average, could be diagnosed with MCI (mild cognitive impairment) as many as ten years earlier than those without.  Additionally, some patients developed Alzheimer’s five years earlier.   It is not clear just how this happens; the theory is that because it disrupts breathing during the night, oxygen levels in the blood drop, affecting the brain.

            At Lund Dental we take each patient’s health seriously.  Dr. William Lund and Dr. Cara Lund fabricate custom appliances which provide clinically proven treatment options for obstructive sleep apnea and sleep bruxism (grinding).   If you think you may have this problem, we at Lund Dental are more than happy to speak with you about the options and different appliances that would help. 

For more information visit somnomed.com/patients/.