Living in Lakewood, CO, at a high altitude, can bring many unique challenges to our daily lives. One of these challenges is the impact that altitude changes can have on our dental health. The low atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes can cause barodontalgia or tooth squeeze, leading to pain and discomfort. In this post, we will explore the connection between altitude and teeth, provide tips to help prevent and treat altitude-related dental problems and discuss how Balanced Dental Studio can help.
What Causes Barodontalgia?
Abrupt changes in elevation cause changes in atmospheric pressure, which can affect your body, including your teeth. When you are at higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure is lower, causing the air to be less dense. This change in pressure can cause air pockets in your teeth to expand, leading to pain and discomfort. Dry air at high altitudes can cause dehydration, leading to dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Dental fillings, crowns, and other dental work can exacerbate the effects of barodontalgia.
Prevention
Preventing dental problems related to altitude changes involves maintaining good dental hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep your teeth healthy and strong, reducing the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Additionally, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks can help prevent dental problems.
Another way to prevent barodontalgia is to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can identify any dental problems before they worsen and provide recommendations to help protect your teeth during altitude changes.
Treatment
If you experience barodontalgia, there are several treatments your dentist may recommend. In some cases, simply waiting for the pressure to equalize can alleviate the pain. For temporary relief, over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage discomfort.
If the pain persists, your dentist may recommend dental work to address the underlying issue, such as a cavity or cracked tooth. Additionally, your dentist may recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard to help protect your teeth during high altitude activities.
Living at a high altitude can bring many unique challenges, including dental problems related to barodontalgia. By maintaining good dental hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly, you can prevent and treat dental problems related to altitude changes.
Visit Dr. Liz for a Dental Consultation in Lakewood, CO
We are fully aware of the dental challenges that altitude changes can pose to residents in Lakewood, CO. Should you encounter any dental pain or discomfort due to these changes, our team of experienced dental professionals is ready to help. Our professionals can expertly identify and treat dental problems that stem from altitude changes, as well as offer preventive measures to ensure your teeth and gums are protected. You can trust us to provide you with the necessary dental care to maintain healthy teeth and gums at any altitude.
At Balanced Dental Studio, our priority is to help you preserve optimal dental health, regardless of your altitude. Our comprehensive dental services cater to your unique dental needs, whether you require treatment for dental pain or discomfort or regular checkups and cleanings. You can conveniently schedule a consultation on our website to learn more about our services and how we can assist you. Our virtual appointments make it easy for you to access dental care from any location.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve optimal dental health.
