As a periodontal practice serving the Lone Tree and greater Denver metro area, we pay close attention to oral health trends in Colorado. While our state is known for an active, health-conscious population, periodontal disease remains a significant concern — and some factors unique to Colorado may actually increase risk.
Colorado by the Numbers
Colorado’s oral health landscape has some notable characteristics:
- Approximately 40-45% of Colorado adults over 30 are estimated to have some form of periodontal disease, roughly in line with national averages.
- Colorado ranks among the top states for dental insurance coverage, yet nearly 1 in 4 adults still report not visiting a dentist in the past year.
- The state’s senior population (65+) is growing rapidly, and with it the prevalence of advanced periodontal disease. Over 70% of seniors nationwide have periodontitis.
- Rural communities across Colorado face particular challenges, with fewer dental providers per capita and longer travel distances to specialty care like periodontics.
Colorado-Specific Risk Factors
Several factors make periodontal awareness especially important for Colorado residents:
- Dry climate and altitude: Colorado’s low humidity and high elevation can contribute to dry mouth, which reduces saliva’s natural ability to wash away bacteria and buffer acids. Dehydration from altitude and outdoor activity compounds this effect.
- Active lifestyle injuries: Colorado’s love of skiing, mountain biking, and contact sports means dental trauma is common. Damaged teeth and gums create entry points for infection.
- Cannabis use: Since legalization, Colorado has one of the highest rates of cannabis use in the country. Smoking cannabis — like tobacco — irritates gum tissue, reduces blood flow, and impairs healing.
Disparities in Access
While the Denver metro area — including Lone Tree, where our practice is located — has excellent access to periodontal specialists, many Coloradans in rural areas travel significant distances for specialty dental care. Telehealth and referral networks are helping bridge this gap, but awareness remains key. Often, the first step is a general dentist recognizing the signs and referring to a periodontist.
What You Can Do
Staying ahead of periodontal disease starts with knowing your risk:
- Stay hydrated — Colorado’s dry air and altitude make this especially important for oral health.
- Don’t skip dental visits, even if your teeth “feel fine.” Gum disease is often silent.
- If you smoke or use cannabis, be aware of the increased risk and talk to your periodontist about monitoring.
- Ask your general dentist about a periodontal screening if you haven’t had one recently.
At Foundation Implants & Periodontics, Dr. Cherry sees patients from across the Denver metro area and beyond. If you or your dentist have concerns about your gum health, reach out to schedule an evaluation.
