When you think about higher elevations in Colorado, your mind probably goes right to Denver, the “Mile High City,” right? And while it’s true that Denver is famous for being 5,280 feet above sea level, there are plenty of other cities that boast a higher elevation, including our own Centennial, CO.
Centennial has an average elevation of about 5,837 feet above sea level, but because our city is so spread out, that number varies depending on your location.
So, what do all these elevation statistics have to do with your smile?
It turns out that high altitudes can negatively affect your teeth and gums, so it’s important to understand the symptoms of certain issues and know how to combat them.
High-Altitude Dental Issues: What You Should Know
Living in a high-altitude area has plenty of perks; you can often enjoy fresh air that’s free from pollution, lower humidity levels, cooler summers, and an abundance of ways to exercise and stay fit.
However, research indicates that lower oxygen levels, less humidity, and lower barometric pressure can lead to numerous oral health concerns, including the following:
- Toothache and anesthesia — At higher altitudes, your body may not process anesthesia as well, so when you visit the dentist, it may be more difficult to numb your mouth. Our dental office may need to adjust the time it takes for the medication to take effect.
- Dental barotrauma — At higher altitudes, you could be more likely to experience barodontalgia, or tooth pain caused by tiny air pockets that get trapped under dental restorations. When these air pockets expand, the pressure increases and can lead to sharp tooth pain and tooth damage (barotrauma).
- Dental fluorosis — This dental issue shows up as white or brown spots on your teeth and is caused by too much fluoride. Because of the way your kidneys adapt to low oxygen and changes in air pressure at high altitudes, some people retain fluoride in their bodies.
- Saliva production — Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common issue for those who live at higher elevations. The thin, dry air reduces your saliva flow. Because saliva helps wash away food particles and neutralize the acid in your mouth, a lack of saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Periodontal inflammation — Swollen gum tissue is another potential issue if you live at a higher elevation, so if you notice that your gums are red and puffy, don’t ignore these symptoms. Altitude can alter the bacteria in your mouth, causing gum tissue irritation and infection.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re traveling to a high altitude area or you’re lucky enough to call Centennial home, there are some preventive measures you can take to combat these issues.
Here are some tips that can help you and your family:
- Stay hydrated — The dry, thin air can quickly dehydrate your body and mouth, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to reduce moisture loss. It’s best to sip water regularly throughout the day and avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. Breathing through your nose could also help.
- Stimulate saliva production — Chewing sugar-free gum is a great way to promote saliva production and protect your teeth from cavities. Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense, so keeping your mouth from getting too dry is essential to maintaining your oral health.
- Maintain a strict hygiene routine — It may sound simple, but making sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day is a fantastic way to keep your mouth healthy. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste remineralizes your teeth and keeps your oral microbiome balanced. A water flosser is another great tool that can help keep your teeth and gums clean.
- Prevent barotrauma — Be proactive about any pain you’re feeling; if you think you might have air pockets under older fillings or crowns, contact our dental office for an appointment. It could be time to repair or replace your dental restorations.
- Schedule preventive visits — We recommend a routine cleaning and exam every six months; these preventive visits give us the chance to assess your oral health and intervene before small issues worsen and become bigger, more expensive, more uncomfortable problems.
All the Services Your Family Needs
We use the latest technology and quality materials to streamline your dental experience and keep you comfortable while you’re with us.
You and your entire family are welcome at our dental office, making it convenient to get the care you deserve. And we’re located just off Arapahoe Road and University Blvd., close to shopping and restaurants.
Some of our general, cosmetic, and restorative treatments include the following:
- Routine exams and cleanings
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Root canal therapy
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding and veneers
- Dental crowns and bridges
- Dental implants
- TMJ and bruxism treatment
- Sleep apnea therapies
- Complete smile makeovers
Oral Health Questions in Centennial, CO?
If you’d like to learn more about how elevation affects your oral health, or if you live in Centennial or the surrounding area and need to make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact our office!
At Michael J. Franquemont, DDS, we want you to maintain a healthy, happy smile for a lifetime, and we’re currently accepting new patients.
We’d love to welcome you to our dental family, so feel free to contact us at (303) 795-0066 to get started.
We can’t wait to meet you!