How Tahoe’s Outdoor Lifestyle Affects Your Oral Health

Living in South Lake Tahoe means our weekends are filled with epic days on the mountain, hiking trails that touch the clouds, and summers spent on the water. But while this active, high-altitude lifestyle does wonders for your heart and soul, it can actually be surprisingly tough on your teeth.

You might be surprised to learn that everything from the thinner air to your choice of hydration on the slopes can impact your smile. Here is how our unique environment affects your oral health—and how to stay protected.

1. The "Tooth Squeeze" (Barodontalgia)

Have you ever felt a sudden, sharp toothache while driving up Echo Summit or riding the gondola, only for it to disappear once you are back in town? You aren't imagining it. This phenomenon is called barodontalgia, or "tooth squeeze."

At high altitudes, atmospheric pressure drops. If you have microscopic pockets of air trapped inside a tooth—usually due to an old, leaky filling or an untreated cavity—that air tries to expand. Since the tooth is rigid, the pressure builds up internally, squeezing the nerve and causing intense pain.

The Fix: If you feel pain at high elevations, it is a warning sign. Schedule an exam at The Smile Shop immediately so we can identify and seal the compromised tooth before it turns into a dental emergency.

2. High-Altitude Dry Mouth

The air in Tahoe is incredibly dry, especially in winter. Combined with the heavy breathing that comes from skiing, snowboarding, or mountain biking, this creates a perfect storm for xerostomia (dry mouth).

Saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system; it washes away food particles and neutralizes acids that cause decay. When your mouth dries out, your teeth lose that protective shield, increasing your risk of cavities and gum inflammation.

The Fix: Hydrate more than you think you need to. If you are on the slopes, carry a hydration pack. We also recommend chewing sugar-free gum with Xylitol, which stimulates saliva flow and helps fight bacteria.

3. The Danger of Sports Drinks

When you are crushing a difficult trail or spending hours on the lake, it is tempting to reach for a sports drink or energy gel. While they replenish electrolytes, they are often disastrous for enamel.

Most sports drinks are highly acidic and packed with sugar. Sipping on them slowly over the course of an hour is actually worse than drinking them quickly because it keeps your teeth in a constant "acid bath," softening your enamel and making it prone to erosion.

The Fix: Swish with plain water immediately after finishing a sports drink to neutralize the pH in your mouth. Never brush your teeth immediately after consuming acidic drinks—wait at least 30 minutes to avoid scrubbing away softened enamel.

4. Trauma on the Slopes (and Trails)

We see it every season: a chipped front tooth from a fall on icy snow, or a jaw injury from mountain bike handlebars. Dental trauma is one of the most common sports injuries, yet few adults wear protection unless they are playing contact sports like hockey.

The Fix: Consider a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard. Unlike the boil-and-bite versions from the drugstore, a custom guard made at our office fits perfectly, allowing you to breathe and speak easily while providing superior protection against concussions and tooth loss.

Keep Your Smile Adventure-Ready

Don't let a toothache keep you off the mountain. Whether you are dealing with sensitivity to the cold air or need a custom guard for your next season of riding, we are here to help you maintain a smile that can keep up with your lifestyle.