What are your plans this summer? Are you getting ready for a trip down to your favorite beach? What about catching a plane to visit somewhere far away? Or maybe you’re simply hoping to beat the heat in your swimming pool? If the latter applies to you, you should know that swimming pools might be great for staying cool, but believe it or not, they actually pose a relative threat to your pearly whites! Keep reading to learn more from your trusted dentist about the threat that swimming pools and chlorinated water pose to your teeth, along with some sensible tips for protecting yourself.
How Swimming Can Endanger Your Smile
When most of us think about sports or physical activities that pose a threat to our teeth, things like football, boxing, and even soccer come to mind—not swimming! However, spending too much time in the pool can absolutely negatively impact your pearly whites. Swimming pools often have chlorine added to them, which keeps the water free from bacteria and unpleasant odors. However, prolonged exposure to chlorine isn’t great for your teeth.
Chlorine can deposit residue on your teeth, which stains them and even leads to hypersensitivity—this is known as swimmer’s calculus. Chlorinated water also contains pH levels that aren’t safe for your teeth, which can lead to enamel erosion. The edge of your front teeth might also begin to look transparent as a result.
Lastly, swimming pools are also notorious for horseplay and accidents, and it’s quite easy to slip or fall down while in or around the area, which can lead to a dental injury. Those no-running signs are posted for a good reason!
Tips for Safeguarding Your Smile from Swimming-Related Harm
You don’t have to skip visiting the swimming pool this summer in order to protect your pearly whites—there are several precautionary measures you can take to safeguard your smile as you continue to enjoy your pool time. Consider the following tips:
- Wear a mouthguard whenever you’re playing contact water sports like water polo or volleyball.
- Don’t run near the pool to prevent the possibility of slipping and sustaining a dental injury.
- If you have your own swimming pool, keep the pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Keep your mouth closed while swimming underwater to reduce acid exposure.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated—tap water often has fluoride added to it, which helps to re-mineralize your teeth.
- If you have oral appliances such as retainers, remove them before swimming.
- Monitor your teeth for any visible signs of swimmer’s calculus, which is staining resulting from frequent exposure to chlorinated water.
About the Practice
Our team here at Winthrop Street Dentistry is excited to offer patients and families in Worcester an unmatched level of dental care! Under the talented leadership of Dr. Evan Yu and Dr. Harry Golnazarian, we’re proud to offer a wide range of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services geared toward helping you and your loved ones achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful smiles. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact us online or over the phone for additional assistance: (508) 756-0990.
