Summertime is finally upon us! Get ready for warmer weather, backyard cookouts, and fun-filled days spent at the swimming pool! But did you know that swimming in a pool, despite being an excellent way to keep cool during these hot summer days, can actually be quite harmful for your teeth? Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about the threat that chlorine poses towards your teeth, along with some tips for protecting your smile.
How Swimming in a Pool Affects Your Teeth
Swimming pools typically have an ingredient called chlorine added to them. Chlorine is what keeps the water free from bacteria and is also responsible for the chemical odor that’s sometimes present around swimming pools. Prolonged exposure to chlorine can dry out your skin and turn your hair green, but you might not know that it can also harm your teeth!
Chlorinated pools and hot tubs can sometimes contain pH levels that cause enamel erosion on your teeth—and once your enamel is gone, it’s gone for good! Even if you don’t swim with your mouth open, water can still seep in and erode your enamel. If this happens often enough, you can develop a condition called swimmer’s calculus, which is characterized by hard, brown tartar deposits forming on the front teeth. This can lead to all sorts of problems including hypersensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods.
But chlorine isn’t the only thing you should be concerned about, though—swimming pools are also notorious for horseplay and accidents! Slipping or falling can easily lead to a mouth injury, as can many fun sports or games such as water polo and pool volleyball.
Tips for Protecting Your Smile
Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect your smile while swimming this summer:
- If you have your own swimming pool, try to keep the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Try to keep your mouth closed while swimming underwater to reduce acid exposure.
- Rinse your mouth with tap water after swimming (tap water often has fluoride added to it and can assist with re-mineralizing your teeth).
- Practice regular oral hygiene by brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
- Wear a mouthguard during water sports or games.
- Monitor any visible discoloration for signs of swimmer’s calculus.
- Visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
It would be tragic, perhaps unwise, to go the entire summer without stepping into a swimming pool! Follow these tips to ensure that you’re still able to enjoy swimming this summer without jeopardizing your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati has served patients and families in the Peabody community for his entire career! Dr. Saati received his dental doctorate from the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and is an active member of several professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and many others. His practice is proud to offer many available services including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry! To schedule a visit, please visit his practice’s website or call (978) 531-2185.