Now that school’s out and the sun’s blazing, it’s time to hit the local pool! Swimming is one of the best ways to cool down during the warmer months – it’s refreshing and a great form of exercise! Hold on, you start thinking about something your friend said; were they right – is swimming bad for your teeth? It may surprise you to learn that too much swimming can actually be harmful to your teeth. Read on to find out why from a pediatric dentist in Cumming and what you can do to keep the smiles of you and your child safe this summer.
Why Is Chlorine Used in Water?
Many years ago, thousands of people died annually from various waterborne diseases. Now, chlorine is used in drinking water, hot tubs, and pools to kill harmful bacteria and maintain cleanliness. It protects you from hazardous germs that can give you illnesses that cause symptoms like diarrhea, skin rashes, ear pain, coughing, congestion, and eye pain. While the amount of chlorine in tap water is not enough to cause dental problems, frequent swimming in treated pools and jacuzzies can have detrimental effects on your teeth.
How Does Chlorine Hurt Your Teeth?
The CDC recommends that the pH levels of chlorinated water be between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH is outside of this range, the water becomes corrosive and can cause enamel erosion, leaving your teeth brittle and sensitive.
Try to avoid swimming in overly chlorinated water to keep your smile safe. As a rule of thumb, you can tell the pH of water is too low when the smell causes your eyes to water and nose to burn. If you have a pool or hot tub at home, make sure you have the chlorine levels evaluated by a professional to ensure they’re within a safe range!
Tips to Protect Your Smile
The following tips can help you spot potential problems and protect your smile:
- Keep your mouth closed. By closing your mouth while swimming, you can minimize chlorine exposure to your teeth.
- Look for signs of high acidity. Do you notice signs of acid eating away at the surfaces of pool linings, railings, and ladders? If so, your teeth will be affected too.
- Test water with pH strips. By testing the pH levels, you can ensure the water is properly chlorinated before jumping in. You can purchase pH strips at any local recreational supply store.
- Use fluoride. Drinking fluoridated water and using fluoride toothpaste can strengthen the enamel on your teeth to prevent erosion.
- Visit your dentist. Your dentist can detect enamel erosion as early as possible with routine checkups.
Take proper precautions to partake in your favorite summer activity without putting your teeth at risk. By following the tips above from a pediatric dentist in Cumming, you and your little one can maintain happy and healthy smiles all season long!
About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is the daughter of an orthodontist and her brother also became an orthodontist, so it’s definitely a family thing. A member of the American Association of Orthodontists and a pediatric dentist in Cumming at Village Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Podray-Donovan earned her dental doctorate from Temple University. She can ensure your child’s teeth aren’t being harmed by chlorine or anything else they might encounter during a checkup and cleaning. Schedule one for them on her website or call (678) 456-5572.