Most people love to take a dip in the pool during summer. Not only can doing so help you cool off, but swimming is also a great form of exercise. But have you thought about how this activity might impact your smile? Can swimming in a pool damage your teeth? This blog post discusses the risks of chlorine exposure and the steps you can take to protect your oral health.
The Risks of Chlorine Exposure
It is common for pool owners to add chlorine to the water because it can kill microbes that might otherwise cause swimmers to become ill. It is particularly important in public pools.
As useful as chlorine is, though, it does have a few downsides. For example, it can alter the pH of the pool water to the point where it can erode tooth enamel. In some cases, this can lead to extreme dental sensitivity.
Another problem with chlorine is that it can leave deposits on your teeth, causing them to incur unsightly discoloration. This issue is often referred to as “swimmer’s calculus.”
Protecting Your Teeth
The good news is that you do not have to give up swimming in order to maintain a healthy smile. Here are a few things you can do to protect your teeth:
- Limit your time in the pool. Swimmer’s calculus is much more common among individuals who spend more than six hours each week in chemically treated water.
- Keep your mouth closed when you go under water. This tip probably seems obvious to most adults. However, some small children might need repeated reminders that they should not go under the water with their mouths open. They should also never try to drink pool water.
- Check for signs of erosion. If the linings and railings around a pool have started to erode, it may be because the water has been consistently over-chlorinated.
- Monitor the pH level of your pool. If you have a pool at home, you can monitor its pH level by using test strips. Pools should have a pH of between 7 and 7.6.
- Swim in a natural body of water. Lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water are not treated with chlorine. Of course, they may come with different health and safety concerns, so it is good to be balanced when deciding where to take your family for a swim.
- Care well for your teeth. Excellent oral hygiene habits, regular dental visits, and a balanced diet can help swimmers to enjoy good oral health.
A few occasional trips to the pool are unlikely to hurt your teeth. If you are a frequent swimmer, though, you may need to take some extra precautions to safeguard your smile.
Meet the Practice
Family Dental Practice of Newington is proud to serve patients in our community. We offer a wide range of preventive and restorative treatments. If you are curious about how you can protect your teeth throughout all of your summertime activities, we are prepared to answer your questions. Get in touch with our friendly team at 860-856-6201.