While a nice, refreshing swim might be the perfect way to beat the summer heat, frequent exposure to pool water or not following safety measures can have a negative impact on your oral health. A day trip at the pool can potentially turn into a visit to an emergency dentist if you’re not taking precautions to protect your smile. If you want to know how swimming in a pool can harm your teeth and how to have safe summer fun, read on.
How Can Swimming Affect My Teeth?
While swimming is a great workout or fun activity for the summer, your oral health comes first. If you’re not being careful, you increase your risk of:
- Enamel erosion – You might experience dental discomfort, brittle, discolored, or stained teeth, or tooth sensitivity from too much exposure to chlorine.
- Swimmer’s calculus – Your teeth can turn yellow or brown from chlorine residue deposits. This condition often affects swimmers who spend more than 6 hours a week in chemically-treated waters.
- Mouth injuries – Water polo, high-contact sports, or running by the pool can lead to tooth or jaw injuries.
How Can I Protect My Teeth?
There are still ways you can enjoy your summer swimming sessions and avoid dental damage. Limiting your swims in chlorinated waters to less than six hours a week can protect you from swimmer’s calculus and enamel erosion.
When you’re swimming, you should close your mouth as much as possible to prevent chlorinated water from entering. However, inevitably, some water will get into your mouth. If that happens or you frequent the pool more than six hours a week, rinsing your mouth out with tap water and adding fluoride to your oral hygiene routine can help keep your teeth healthy.
Preventing mouth injuries can be as simple as wearing a mouthguard whenever you play watersports. Follow the safety rules and avoid running by the pool so you won’t slip and fall!
Finally, you should regularly keep up with your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth during cleanings and checkups and see early signs of any oral health changes.
Accidents happen, but following these preventive measures can reduce your risk of dental issues. If you’re noticing significant changes to your oral health or are experiencing a dental emergency such as a tooth or jaw injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist.
About the Practice
At The Elegant Dentistry, Dr. Pankti Patel and Dr. Jainisha Patel offer expert care for a wide range of dental services. The practice is committed to 100% personalized dental care to help you reach your unique oral health goals. In order to maintain your smile, The Elegant Dentistry is proud to provide checkups, teeth cleanings, nightguards, and oral cancer screenings to catch any early signs of dental issues before they become problems. If you want to know more about what precautions you can take to protect your teeth while still enjoying your summer fun, contact The Elegant Dentistry through their website or by phone at (469) 598-1023.