Braces and Allergies: Managing Spring Symptoms Without Compromising Your Smile

Spring brings warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days—but for those with seasonal allergies, it also means sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. If you’re wearing braces, allergy season can present some unexpected challenges for your oral health and orthodontic care. From dry mouth caused by antihistamines to the impact of mouth breathing on your teeth and gums, managing allergies while caring for braces requires some extra attention.

At Orthodontics of Montclair, we know that braces already require careful cleaning and maintenance. Add in the effects of seasonal allergies, and it becomes even more important to stay on top of your oral care routine. 

In this blog, we’ll explain how allergies and braces can intersect—and how to protect your smile this spring.

How Allergies Affect Your Oral Health

Seasonal allergies aren’t just a nuisance for your sinuses—they also have a direct impact on your mouth. Here’s how common allergy symptoms can make braces care a little trickier:

1. Mouth Breathing and Dry Mouth

Allergy congestion makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, forcing many allergy sufferers to breathe through their mouths instead. Unfortunately, mouth breathing reduces saliva flow, leading to dry mouth.

Why It Matters:

• Saliva is essential for washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and keeping bacteria under control.
• Less saliva means more plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum inflammation around your braces.
• Dry mouth also contributes to bad breath, making allergy season even more unpleasant.

2. Sinus Pressure and Tooth Pain

Allergies can cause sinus inflammation, especially in the upper sinuses located near your upper molars. This pressure can create discomfort that feels like a toothache—even though the pain isn’t actually from your teeth.

Why It Matters:

• If you already experience sensitivity from your braces, sinus pressure can amplify that discomfort.
• Distinguishing between sinus-related pain and orthodontic pain can be tricky, so it’s important to talk to your orthodontist if you’re unsure.

3. Antihistamines and Oral Health

Allergy medications, especially antihistamines, are known to cause dry mouth as a side effect. This creates an oral environment that’s more hospitable to bacteria and plaque, putting your teeth and gums at higher risk for problems like:

• Cavities
• Gum inflammation
• Bad breath

Special Considerations for Braces Wearers During Allergy Season

Braces add an extra layer of complexity to oral care during allergy season. Food and plaque already have more places to hide around brackets and wires, and dry mouth only increases that risk. Here’s how to protect your teeth and braces when allergies strike:

1. Stay Hydrated All Day Long

Water is your best defense against dry mouth. It helps rinse away allergens, keeps your mouth moist, and washes away food particles that cling to brackets and wires.

Pro Tip: Carry a water bottle everywhere you go and take frequent sips throughout the day. If you take antihistamines, drink extra water to counteract their drying effects.

2. Use a Saline Spray

Saline nasal sprays can help clear out allergens and reduce congestion, allowing you to breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.

Why It Helps: Less mouth breathing means more saliva production—and a healthier environment for your teeth and gums.

3. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene

Braces care requires diligent brushing and flossing, and allergy season is no exception. In fact, it’s even more important when dry mouth increases your risk of plaque buildup.

Oral Care Routine for Allergy Season:

• Brush after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a water flosser to clean around brackets and wires if flossing feels uncomfortable.
• Finish with an alcohol-free mouthwash to moisturize your mouth and fight bacteria.

4. Avoid Sugary and Acidic Drinks

If you’re reaching for sports drinks, citrus juices, or flavored teas to soothe your throat, think again. These drinks are high in sugar and acid, which can weaken enamel and lead to decay—especially in dry mouth conditions.

Better Options:

• Plain water (bonus points for fluoridated tap water)
• Herbal teas without added sugar
• Milk, which helps neutralize acids and strengthen enamel

5. Chew Sugar-Free Gum with Xylitol

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps fight dry mouth and neutralize acids. Xylitol, a natural sweetener, has also been shown to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Pro Tip: Keep sugar-free gum in your bag for times when allergies or medications leave your mouth dry.

6. Use Orthodontic Wax for Added Comfort

If sinus pressure makes your teeth feel extra sensitive, you may notice your brackets or wires causing more irritation than usual. Applying a small amount of orthodontic wax can cushion your braces and relieve some of that discomfort.

7. Don’t Skip Your Orthodontic Checkups

It’s tempting to reschedule appointments when you’re dealing with allergy symptoms, but regular orthodontic visits are essential for keeping your treatment on track. Your orthodontist can:

• Check for plaque buildup caused by dry mouth.
• Adjust your wires if sinus pressure has made them feel tighter.
• Recommend additional products to help protect your teeth and gums.

Foods to Focus on During Allergy Season

Certain foods can support oral health, boost your immune system, and even reduce allergy symptoms. Try incorporating these braces-friendly, allergy-friendly foods into your diet:

• Yogurt: Contains probiotics that support gum health and may help reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
• Leafy Greens: Rich in vitamins and minerals that strengthen enamel and support immune function.
• Soft Fruits: Berries, melons, and bananas are gentle on braces and rich in antioxidants.
• Omega-3 Rich Fish: Reduces inflammation, which is helpful for both gum health and allergy-related sinus pressure.
• Cheese: Helps neutralize acids and provides calcium for strong teeth.

Protect Your Smile and Breathe Easy

Managing seasonal allergies while wearing braces might seem overwhelming, but with a little extra care, you can protect both your smile and your sinuses this spring. By staying hydrated, maintaining excellent oral hygiene, and keeping up with your orthodontic visits, you’ll keep your treatment on track while minimizing allergy-related discomfort.

At Orthodontics of Montclair, we’re here to support you every step of the way—whether you need advice on braces-friendly oral care products or solutions for allergy-related sensitivity.

Schedule your next checkup today and let us help you navigate allergy season with confidence and comfort. Together, we’ll ensure your smile stays healthy and your braces continue working their magic—no matter what spring brings your way!