As the summer weather heats up, you and your family may be eager to head to the neighborhood pool for a refreshing dip in the cool water. Or you might be planning to spend some time at a luxurious resort. Regardless of where you are, swimming offers a fun way to beat the heat and get some great exercise. But have you thought about how this activity might affect your smile? Can swimming in a pool damage your teeth? If so, how can you protect your oral health? Read on below to learn the answers.
The Risks of Chlorine Exposure
Chlorine is added to virtually all pools because it can kill infectious microbes that might otherwise cause swimmers to become ill. It is especially important in public pools.
One of the downsides to chlorine is that it can cause the pH level of the water to change. In fact, it can make it acidic enough to contribute to erosion of the tooth enamel. In severe cases, this can cause extreme dental sensitivity. Chlorine can also leave deposits on your teeth, causing them to become discolored (this problem is known as swimmer’s calculus).
Protecting Your Teeth
You do not have to give up swimming in order to maintain a healthy smile. Here are some tips that can protect your teeth:
- Limit the amount of time you spend in the pool. Usually, swimmer’s calculus only afflicts people who spend more than six hours each week in chemically treated water.
- Swim with your mouth closed. This one might seem obvious for most adults. However, some children may need to be reminded that they should never go underwater with their mouth open or attempt to drink pool water.
- Check the pool’s pH level. Check for signs of erosion in the linings and railings of a public pool. If you see any, it might be because the pool has been consistently over-chlorinated. If you are swimming in your own backyard pool, you can use a pH strip from a local recreational supply store to check the pH level. Pools should generally have a pH between 7 and 7.6.
- Swim in a natural body of water. Rivers and lakes may come with their own safety concerns, but if there is a reasonably clean natural swimming hole near your house, it might be worth a try.
- Care for your teeth. Eating a balanced diet, adhering to good oral hygiene practices, and regularly visiting your dentist can help to keep your smile in great shape.
An occasional dip in the pool should not damage your teeth. If you are a regular swimmer, however, you may need to take extra steps to maintain a healthy smile.
Meet the Practice
The team at Gillis Dental provides general oral health services to families in our community. If you have questions about how to care for your teeth, or you are a regular swimmer who is concerned about your dental wellness, we would be happy to serve you. Contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.