Aly Jacobs, Author at Spring Valley Dental | Dr. Philips and Dr. Grewal

With the beauty of trees, flowers, and pretty lawns in our area we start to see our share of allergies. Itchy eyes, runny nose, congestion and coughing, all producing mucus and ickiness that we are aware of. However, did you know that allergies can cause tooth pain? It’s the time of year where we see patients coming in with tooth pain that can usually manifest in the upper molars. Inflamed sinuses filled with mucus can cause pressure all over the face – eyes, ears, head, and yes – your teeth. The root tips of the upper molars go right into those mucus-filled, and sometimes infected, sinus cavities, and when there is congestion and inflammation there it will cause the nerves on the upper molars to also feel inflamed and painful.

How can you tell if it is a tooth issue or really just your allergies?

Where is the pain?

The first thing to look out for is whether or not other areas of your face are affected by the pressure.If it’s on both sides of your jaw it’s likely the allergies. If it’s localized to one specific tooth or area then it is likely a toothache.

The type of pain?

Typically allergy related pain is not temperature sensitiveIf you have triggers of cold or hot sensitivity then it is likely a tooth issue as well.

Other symptoms?

If the pain is related to positioning – meaning, when you move your head up or down, then it can be your allergies. Is there a blocked or runny nose associated with the allergies? Allergy related toothaches can be more achy and throbby, and will typically get better as your sinuses feel better.

If the pain is sharp, localized or constant, and you don’t usually suffer from allergies then it’s likely a tooth issue! Tooth issues that don’t go away should always gets checked out!

If you’re confused and can’t tell, call your dentist and simple tests/xrays can help determine the root (haha) cause to your pain. We are always here to help! Call us today: (202) 244-5900

Warmer weather is here (finally!) and while the first glimpse of Spring typically sends us straight into decluttering mode, we often forget to pause and prioritize our dental health this time of year. Doctor Priya Grewal shares 5 ways to “Spring Clean” your dental routine.

Visiting The Dentist: Springtime is also a great time to reevaluate the last time you saw the dentist. It is recommended that you visit your dentist every six months as oral health is often described as the gateway to overall health as gum disease is linked with other health problems – including heart disease, diabetes, and various cancers. With covid, we have had many put their dental check ups on pause and people have ignored their gums and teeth telling them it’s time! Sometimes it’s a simple checkup that can help prevent things from getting worse. When your dentist checks for cavities, gum and jaw issues and gives you specific instructions to improve your oral hygiene habits, you are less likely to have bigger issues.

Brighten That Smile: If you have considered teeth whitening in the past but haven’t made that initial appointment to learn more, now is a great time! There are great in-office whitening options and over-the-counter (OTC) as well. Many OTC whitening options also use a form of peroxide. The difference between these and professional teeth whitening is the chemical concentration, which translates to how white your teeth may get, how long it would last, as well as management of sensitivity by a professional. Many gels, toothpastes, pens, and strips work well for most people that do not have pre-existing dental issues. Make sure you check with your dentist before adding anything to your regimen, particularly if you have sensitivity or gum issues. And of course we would love to be involved in your whiter and brighter smile, contact us to learn about our in-office teeth whitening services.

Don’t Forget The Tongue: Bacteria lives on your tongue as well! Our tongues are not smooth and have small taste buds and crevices in them that can trap various types of bacteria. Some of this bacteria can cause bad breath and contribute to more plaque accumulation or even cavities. It’s important to GENTLY brush your tongue back and forth, side to side, and to rinse your mouth with water.

Flossing Is Just As Important As Brushing: Brushing alone isn’t enough to keep your teeth healthy which is why our hygienists will tell you that you’re missing one third of your tooth if you’re not flossing it. Flossing your teeth removes plaque, debris and bacteria and lifts it out of areas where it is trapped, and the tooth brush bristle cannot reach. A good habit to get into is to floss and then brush your teeth. When you floss first the brushing you do afterwards will remove the particles in your mouth that the flossing has released, resulting in less plaque, gum disease and cavity forming bacteria. This also allows the fluoride from your toothpaste to get into a clean surface in between your teeth where cavities are prone to developing.

Because the more information the better, we do have a bonus tip to consider this Spring: Un-crowd Your Teeth To Make It Easier To Clean: Straightening your teeth has obvious aesthetic benefits to your smile. Especially one that has been masked for the last few years! However, there is a health benefit to it as well. If your teeth are crowded it is very difficult to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. The inability to clean your teeth effectively causes bacteria to trap, resulting in infections, decay, gum disease, difficulty to eat and even TMJ issues.

While you certainly don’t have to face all of these Spring tips head on, we definitely recommend prioritizing this list to best fit your needs so that your dental health remains in check. As always, we are here for you. At Spring Valley Dental, you are a member of the family. Let’s get your smile ready for Spring together.

New Patients Call

(202) 798-7433

Existing Patients

(202) 244-5900

Is it allergies or a tooth infection?

5 Ways To Spring Clean Your Dental Routine- By Dr. Priya Grewal