Living in Colorado definitely has its perks! Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities in the high country, while residents of Ft. Collins appreciate the small-town atmosphere.
However, with the perks also come some downsides to living at a higher elevation, and sometimes your oral health may be affected. Today, we'll provide some tips on how to maintain dental wellness in Ft. Collins as you navigate life at a higher altitude!
How Does a Higher Altitude Impact Dental Health?
Living at a higher elevation presents a few challenges to overall well-being and dental health, such as dry air and climate, decreased oxygen levels, and issues with blood pressure.
Blood pressure and lower oxygen levels affect the body's ability to resist disease and infections, making people more susceptible to problems like gum disease, which is essentially an infection of the teeth's primary support system.
However, the dry climate is one of the biggest concerns when living at higher elevations. Drier air can result in less saliva production, leading to a condition called "dry mouth." Dry mouth can cause all sorts of problems for patients, such as:
- Tooth decay and cavities
- Oral infections (like gum disease)
- Mouth discomfort or irritation
- Bad breath
The good news is that there are steps you can take to combat "dry mouth," and your dentist in Ft. Collins is also here to help!
The Critical Role of Saliva
To understand why alleviating dry mouth is important, we first have to understand why saliva is essential to good oral health.
Saliva creates an environment where bacteria cannot grow as easily. It also works to wash away the food particles and debris that remain in the mouth after snacks or meals. This leftover debris often contributes to problems like tooth decay and gum disease, so saliva combined with brushing and flossing interrupts the bacteria and keeps it from developing into more harmful plaque and tartar, which contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.
Saliva also neutralizes the acids in your mouth that cause problems like tooth decay and gum disease, protecting your teeth from harm. It also plays a role in remineralizing compromised teeth, similar to what fluoride does, acting as a kind of natural fluoride.
What Are Some Signs and Symptoms of Dry Mouth?
Dry mouth can be very uncomfortable, so you'll probably be aware you're dealing with it. But here are some common signs and symptoms that dry mouth might be a problem for you:
- Your mouth is prone to developing sores or an infection
- You have difficulties chewing, swallowing, or tasting
- Your mouth, throat, or tongue feels dry and sticky
- Your lips are dry and cracked
- You struggle with chronic bad breath
When saliva production is decreased, dry mouth results, which can undoubtedly impact dental health. Here are some tips for combating dry mouth, promoting saliva production, and protecting oral health in a higher elevation and dryer climate.
#1 Use a Humidifier
When you live in Colorado, having a humidifier is a must, especially during the winter. Many homes in CO even have humidifiers built into their heating and cooling systems.
A humidifier replaces the moisture in the air that is naturally lacking in a drier climate. It helps to alleviate dry skin and promotes better overall health and well-being.
#2 Stay Hydrated
The joke in Colorado is that no one ever leaves home without their water bottles. It's actually true!
Staying hydrated is critical when you live at a higher elevation, as you're already combating the natural dryness in the air. However, staying hydrated can also help you stave off oral conditions like dry mouth, which contribute to dental health problems.
Get yourself a sturdy water bottle, and drink plenty of water!
#3 Use Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride, like saliva, helps protect teeth against problems like tooth decay. Increasing your fluoride intake with toothpaste can help protect your teeth from decay and cavities that are more prevalent when you suffer from dry mouth.
You might also talk with your Ft. Collins dentist about combining fluoride toothpaste with a fluoridated mouth rinse to boost your cavity protection at home.
#4 Don't Forget Lip Protection!
Dry air means dryer lips. Being closer to the sun, like you are at a higher elevation, also means that you need sufficient lip protection. 
Look for SPF lip balms to help keep your lips moist, hydrated, and more comfortable, especially during winter. Using SPF will also help protect your lips, as we are closer to the sun's harmful rays in Colorado.
#5 Eat More Fruits, Vegetables, and a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays an integral role in protecting your overall health and well-being. Fruits and vegetables, along with saliva, neutralize the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay, so increasing your intake protects your overall well-being.
Reducing your intake of sugary foods and beverages helps reduce your risk of developing problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
#6 Wear a Mouthguard During Sports
Sports can be challenging at a higher altitude, where there's less air to breathe. Did you know that sports injuries account for 40 percent of dental emergencies? It's true!
Protect your teeth and mouth with a custom mouthguard so you can focus on your game-time performance instead of worrying about tooth and mouth injuries.
#7 Commit to an Excellent Home Care Routine
Taking care of your teeth at home with consistent daily brushing and flossing is half the battle of protecting your oral health. Commit to brushing twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing once.
If you haven't already, consider switching to an electric toothbrush to promote more effective (and easier for you) tooth brushing. You can also talk to your dentist about adding a fluoride antibacterial mouth rinse to your home care routine.
#8 Visit Your Dentist in Fort Collins Regularly
Visiting your dentist routinely for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups is the other half of the battle in protecting your smile and dental health. Healthy patients should see their dentist every six months, while those managing gum disease should visit more often for preventive cleanings.
Your dentist can spot potential problems in their earliest stages when they're easier and less expensive to treat. Being consistent about routine dental appointments every six months protects your smile, dental health, and overall well-being since we now understand that gum disease and other systemic, non-dental concerns, like heart disease, are closely related.
Being consistent about protecting your dental health with routine preventive visits also protects your overall health and well-being.
Is It Time for Your Next Dental Visit?
Your team at Ryan Rush, DDS, is here for you! We accept new patients and offer a friendly, judgment-free environment where we provide exceptional, comfortable dental care.
Request an appointment online or call our team at (970) 223-5393 to schedule.