Living in Colorado Springs has some pretty great perks: mountain views on the morning commute, hundreds of sunny days, endless outdoor adventures, and plenty of great places to grab a cup of coffee.
Your teeth, however, may have a few complaints.
From our dry Colorado air to weekend adventures in the mountains, some of the things we love about living here can have surprising effects on our smiles.
Here are seven Colorado habits worth keeping on your dental radar.
1. Forgetting Your Water Bottle
If there were an official Colorado accessory, the reusable water bottle would definitely be in the running.
And your mouth is happy about that.
Saliva helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect your teeth. When your mouth becomes dry, you lose some of that natural protection.
Colorado’s famously dry climate can make staying hydrated even more important.
Smile tip: Keep that water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day—especially when hiking, exercising, traveling to higher elevations, or spending lots of time outdoors.
2. Living on Coffee Until Lunchtime
We understand. Sometimes coffee is breakfast.
But sipping coffee throughout the morning—especially coffee with sugar, flavored syrups, or sweetened creamers—can repeatedly expose your teeth to sugars and acids.
Coffee can also contribute to surface staining over time.
You don’t have to break up with your favorite coffee shop. Try drinking water afterward and avoid slowly sipping a sweetened drink for hours.
Your smile and your caffeine habit can peacefully coexist.
3. Chewing Ice
That ice left in the bottom of your water cup can be tempting.
Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.
Unfortunately, teeth weren’t designed to be ice crushers.
Chewing hard ice can contribute to tiny cracks, chipped teeth, damaged fillings, and other dental problems. If you’re an enthusiastic ice chewer, give your teeth a break and let the ice melt instead.
4. Using Your Teeth as Tools
Opening a package.
Tearing off a stubborn tag.
Holding something between your teeth because both hands are full.
We’ve all been tempted.
But your teeth have one very important job: being teeth.
Using them as scissors, bottle openers, or an extra set of hands can lead to chips and cracks that turn a two-second shortcut into an unexpected dental appointment.
Grab the scissors. Your front teeth will thank you.
5. Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth
Busy schedule? Long commute? Big deadline? Kids have three activities in three different parts of Colorado Springs at exactly the same time?
Sometimes stress shows up in your mouth.
Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can contribute to worn teeth, jaw discomfort, headaches, tooth sensitivity, and damaged dental work.
The tricky part is that many people grind their teeth while sleeping and don’t realize they’re doing it.
If you’re waking up with a tired or sore jaw—or your dentist notices unusual wear on your teeth—it’s worth talking about.
6. Weekend Warrior-ing Without Protecting Your Smile
Colorado Springs makes it very easy to spend your weekend doing something adventurous.
Mountain biking? Skiing? Basketball? Hiking? Pickleball? Kids’ sports?
We’re in.
But activities that involve falls, flying objects, or accidental collisions can also put teeth at risk.
A properly fitted mouthguard can provide important protection during many sports and recreational activities. And if a dental injury does happen, don’t automatically assume a damaged tooth can’t be saved. Contact your dentist as soon as possible.
7. Waiting Until Something Hurts to Visit the Dentist
This may be the biggest one.
It’s easy to think:
“Nothing hurts, so everything must be fine.”
Unfortunately, dental problems don’t always announce themselves right away.
Cavities, gum disease, cracked teeth, and other concerns can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms. Regular dental exams give your dental team an opportunity to spot potential problems earlier—often when they’re easier to address.
Preventive care isn’t just about having clean teeth.
It’s about helping you keep your healthy smile healthy.
Your Colorado Lifestyle Should Make You Smile
You don’t need to give up coffee, stop exploring Colorado, or carry a toothbrush on every hike.
A few simple habits can go a long way:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss every day.
- Don’t use your teeth as tools.
- Protect your teeth during sports.
- Pay attention to grinding or jaw discomfort.
- Keep up with the dental visit schedule recommended for you.
And most importantly, don’t wait for a toothache to start thinking about your oral health.
Looking for a Dentist in Colorado Springs?
At Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness, we believe taking care of your smile should be part of taking care of you.
Our independently owned Colorado Springs practice has served the Cheyenne Mountain and Broadmoor communities for more than 30 years. We provide family, cosmetic, general, and wellness-focused dentistry for patients of all ages—all with an emphasis on personalized care and long-term oral health.
Whether you’re due for a routine checkup, have a tooth that’s bothering you, or simply want to feel more confident about your smile, we’re here to help.
Ready to schedule? Request an appointment with Cheyenne Mountain Dentistry & Wellness today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado’s dry climate affect your teeth?
A dry environment can contribute to dry mouth, particularly when combined with dehydration, certain medications, mouth breathing, or other factors. Saliva plays an important role in protecting teeth, so persistent dry mouth is something worth discussing with your dentist.
Can drinking more water help your teeth?
Water helps rinse food particles and acids from the mouth and supports normal saliva production. Drinking water throughout the day is a simple habit that can support good oral health.
Is chewing ice really bad for your teeth?
It can be. Ice is hard enough to chip or crack teeth and can potentially damage fillings, crowns, and other dental restorations.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
Possible signs include morning jaw soreness, headaches, tooth sensitivity, flattened or worn teeth, and chipped teeth. Your dentist may also notice patterns of wear during an examination.
How often should I visit a dentist in Colorado Springs?
There isn’t one schedule that’s right for everyone. Many people benefit from routine visits about every six months, while others may need more frequent care based on their oral health, gum health, medical history, and individual risk factors. Your dentist can recommend the schedule that’s appropriate for you.