Sore teeth? It might just be hayfever

ADELAIDE - Hayfever can cause toothache, Australian dentists say.

The Australian Dental Association said spring was a notorious time for toothache, when many dental patients wrongly believed they had genuine teeth problems.

The association's South Australian president, Dr Arnis Lidums, said most people did not realise aching teeth and tender gums were related to extra pollen and air dust at this time of year.

Dr Lidums said high pollen and dust counts caused hayfever and sinusitis, which in turn caused symptoms of toothache and sore gums.

He said hayfever resulted in sinus inflammation, which could place pressure on teeth.

Toothache caused by hayfever usually occurred on both sides of the mouth and was dull and constant, while pain caused by decay or nerve damage was often more localised, he said.

Dr Lidums added that some hayfever medications caused a dry mouth, which created further dental problems.

- NZPA