If there’s one thing people associate with summer, it’s swimming. Enjoying some time in the pool is an excellent way to have fun and exercise in the hot weather, but it comes with a few oral health risks that need to be considered. Here’s a brief guide from your dentist to how swimming can lead to oral injuries along with a few tips for ensuring that your grin stays gorgeous and shiny when you’re having fun in the sun.
Be Careful Not to Slip
There are many ways to have fun in the pool, but running around on the deck is an excellent way to slip and fall. It’s quite easy to trip and injure your teeth on slippery surfaces, which makes it necessary to repair your smile with restorative treatments such as fillings or dental crowns. Take care not to run around the pool, and make sure that any children in your party know not to do so as well. You may also want to wear a mouthguard when playing contact watersports like volleyball or water polo to prevent dental injuries.
Beware of Swimmer’s Calculus
Swimmer’s calculus is a condition resulting from the teeth being exposed to chlorinated water for a long time, resulting in yellow or brown discoloration. However, this problem is not likely unless a person spends more than six hours in the pool every week. If you notice these stains developing in your teeth or the teeth of your child, your dentist will be able to remove them. It’s a great idea to rinse your mouth out with tap water after swimming to prevent this issue.
Excessive Chlorine Is Bad for Your Enamel
Make sure that your pool is properly chlorinated to avoid serious damage to your teeth. Excessive chlorine levels in the water can erode your enamel, leading to the teeth becoming brittle, sensitive, and more vulnerable to injury and decay. To make sure that your pool has the right amount, you can buy chlorine testing kits at a pool supply store.
Swimming during the summer is a wonderful tradition that has allowed many people to have fun and make fond memories. With the right precautions, you can keep your smile in great shape for all your summer fun.
About the Author
Dr. Holly Maier earned her dental degree from the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and continues her education through SPEAR Education. She is also proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Shelburne, VT, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on keeping your smile safe during the summer, contact her practice online or give her front desk a call by dialing (802) 985-9700.