During the warmer months, there are several ways people can cool down under the hot summer sun. Swimming is by far the most popular. After all, who wouldn’t want to go for a refreshing swim during the sunny season? Well, it may surprise you to learn that this fun activity can have severe effects on your oral health. Read on to find how it affects your teeth and what you can do to protect your smile.
How Does Swimming Affect Your Oral Health?
Spending too much time in the pool can put your oral health at risk. Here are a few ways swimming can harm your mouth:
Swimmer’s Calculus
If you spend an excessive amount of time in chlorinated water, you are more likely to develop swimmer’s calculus. Chlorine can deposit a residue on your teeth and cause them to turn brown or yellow after constant exposure. If you are an avid swimmer who spends over six hours a week in treated water, you should keep an eye out for this condition. Fortunately, your dentist can remove these stains with treatments and cleanings.
Tooth Sensitivity
Improperly chlorinated pools can have detrimental effects on your teeth. Excessive chlorine can cause enamel erosion and leave your teeth feeling brittle and sensitive. If you have a swimming pool at home, make sure you have the chlorine levels checked by a professional to ensure they’re within the recommended range.
Mouth Injuries
Did you know swimming pool accidents are the leading cause of dental emergencies during summer? Full-contact sports, like water polo or water volleyball, can lead to mouth and facial injuries. Wear a properly fitted mouthguard whenever you play to prevent accidents.
Tooth Squeeze
Also known as barodontalgia, this condition occurs when the air inside your teeth contracts to match the outside pressure, leading to severe discomfort and even damage to fillings, crowns, and dentures. Tooth squeeze usually occurs in extreme altitudes, meaning divers and snorkelers are at higher risk. If you frequently dive in deep water, ask your dentist to check your mouth for signs of decay or loose dental restorations.
How to Protect Your Smile While Swimming
Despite the harmful effects swimming can have, you don’t have to give it up completely! Follow these tips to protect your teeth:
- Look for signs of high acidity. If there are signs of acid eating away at the surfaces around the pool, your teeth will likely be affected similarly.
- Test the water with pH strips. This method helps ensure the pool is properly chlorinated. You can purchase pH strips at any local recreational supply store.
- Close your mouth. Keeping your mouth closed will reduce chlorine exposure to your teeth.
- Regularly visit your dentist. Routine checkups will help catch, prevent, and treat enamel erosion as early as possible.
Before you hit the local pool, think about how it can put your oral health at risk. By following the tips highlighted above, you can keep your smile safe while still enjoying the freedoms of summer.
About the Practice
Our team at Advanced Smile Design provides comfortable, world-class dental care that the entire family can enjoy. From routine checkups and cleanings to dental implants and porcelain veneers, we offer a wide range of services that are guaranteed to meet your family’s oral health needs. We can ensure your summer smile is in its best shape and stop problems before they even start. Schedule an appointment via our website or call (215) 659-3334.
