Why Living in a Desert Climate Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease

24 Feb Why Living in a Desert Climate Increases Your Risk of Gum Disease

We love living in Northern Arizona because of the gorgeous landscape, sunny skies, and low humidity. But even though an arid climate can be a breath of fresh air, it can also cause chronic dry mouth, which increases your risk of gum disease. 

The connection between dry mouth and desert climates isn’t merely anecdotal; it’s a major concern affecting Arizona residents. If you’re noticing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, our dentists can help you restore your oral health.

The Connection Between Dry Climates and Gum Disease

In Arizona’s desert climate, dry mouth is a real problem. Breathing dry air can dry out your mouth, and mild dehydration can also affect your saliva production. 

However, your saliva is your best natural defense against gum disease and tooth decay. It washes away food debris, neutralizes acids, helps fight oral infections, and even helps remineralize your tooth enamel. 

When your mouth doesn’t produce enough saliva, this is what happens:

1. Bacteria multiply along the gumline, forming colonies of plaque.
2. Plaque produces acids that irritate and inflame your gums, leaving them vulnerable to infections.
3. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is a chronic gum infection. Your gums might look red or swollen, or start to bleed when you floss.
4. Dry mouth makes gingivitis worse (and harder to get rid of).
5. The later stages of gum disease are irreversible, and lead to receding gums, tooth decay, and tooth loss.

Additional Risk Factors for Arizona Residents

Nearly half of all adults over 30 have some form of gum disease. And the older you get, the higher your risk of age-related conditions, like a decline in saliva production. As you age you’re also more likely to take medications that cause dry mouth as a side effect. 

In fact, a review published in the journal American Family Physician states that the most common cause of dry mouth is medication use. Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and many other common medications can make dry mouth a chronic condition. 

Dry mouth can be more pronounced if you take multiple medications. Couple that with Arizona’s climate, and the risk of gum disease rises even higher. 

How to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease

One of the best ways to protect your oral health is to drink more water. You can also encourage your mouth to produce more saliva by eating crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, or celery. 

To lower your risk of gum disease, follow these tips:

• Drink eight glasses of water every day; more if you’re active outdoors.
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily.
• Floss at least once daily to remove plaque from between the teeth. 
• Rinse your mouth to help reduce bacteria.
• Run a humidifier in your bedroom, especially during the winter. 
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow. 
• Schedule dental cleanings every six months.
• Stop using tobacco, vapes, and nicotine of any kind.

Protect Your Smile with Holistic Dental Care

Don’t wait until you start seeing symptoms of gum disease to take action. Our holistic dental team offers non-invasive periodontal treatments like laser and ozone therapy. Contact Prescott Dentistry to schedule a periodontal evaluation and learn more about how to lower your risk of gum disease in Arizona. 

Photo by Robert Murray on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 2/14/26.