Swimming is one of the best ways to stay cool and have fun during the summer! Keep having fun by keeping your teeth healthy! Here’s what you need to know about chlorine and your teeth to keep your smile strong all summer long.
How Chlorine Affects Your Teeth
Chlorine needs to be added to the water in swimming pools and waterparks to keep bacteria in the water at bay so everyone can stay safe from things that could make them sick. But chlorine is still a chemical that can have negative effects, too. In fact, too much chlorine and your teeth are not a good combo!
If the chlorine levels are too high, it can cause the enamel or outer layer of your teeth to erode prematurely, making your teeth extra sensitive and at greater risk of cavities and tooth decay. Even correct levels of chlorine can lead to a condition called “swimmer’s calculus,” which happens when the chemicals leave behind a residue that causes discoloration or staining of your teeth.
Swimmer’s calculus typically only affects people who spend 6 hours or more per week in chlorinated water, but that can happen much more often than people realize during the hot summer months!
What You Can Do
If you’re spending a lot of time in the pool or at the waterpark, keep an eye out for any dental discoloration or increased sensitivity. It also never hurts to ask your dentist about preventive measures you can take, such as extra fluoride treatments or more frequent dental cleanings to help strengthen your teeth and reduce the effects of chlorine to keep your smile healthy and bright all summer long.
Other Swimming Risks
Chlorine and your teeth isn’t the only concern at the pool! There are other risks, too. If you play sports like volleyball, basketball, or other games in the pool, talk with your dentist about how to protect your teeth from risk of injury. We’re here to help you stay safe, so you don’t miss any fun in the sun this summer!
Call our Lockhart, Seguin, San Marcos, TX, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.