Now that summer is here, there are fun activities that your child is finally able to participate in. One of the best ways to keep cool or stay active when the weather is warm is by hopping in the pool, but many people don’t know that swimming in swimming pools can be harmful for teeth. Read on to learn more about the effect that swimming pools can have on your child’s teeth as well as some steps you can take to combat these issues.
How Do Swimming Pools Harm Teeth?
Here are just some of the reasons why swimming pools can put your child’s smile at risk:
- Swimmer’s Calculus: When your child is spend a lot of time in the pool, their teeth are being exposed to chlorinated water, therefore increasing their risk of developing swimmer’s calculus. Chlorine can deposit a residue on their teeth causing them to turn brown or yellow over time. If your child spends more than six hours a week in a chlorinated pool, this is something you should be aware of.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you have a pool at home, you should be sure to check the chlorine levels to ensure that it is in the correct range. If your pool isn’t chlorinated correctly, your child could be looking at enamel erosion in the future.
- Injuries: Many contact sports are played in the water. If your child likes to participate in sports like water polo or water volleyball, they are at higher risk for dental injuries.
- Tooth Squeeze: This condition is also known as “barodontalgia.” This is when air inside the teeth contracts to match the outside pressure. This causes pain and damage to fillings, crowns, and dentures. It occurs in extreme altitudes which puts divers and snorkelers at risk.
How Can You Prevent Oral Health Problems Related to Swimming?
Here are a few tips to protect your child’s teeth while swimming:
- Your child should wear mouthguard while playing contact sports, like water polo or water volleyball.
- Schedule regular appointments for your child to see their dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Let them know if you have concerns about swimmer’s calculus.
- Have a professional chlorinate your backyard pool if you have one.
- Have your child rinse their mouth with tap water after swimming.
- Purchase fluoridated dental products, like fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwash.
Summer is an exciting time of year, but you don’t want anyone’s oral health at risk. By using the tips listed above, your child can keep their smile healthy and happy through these warmer months.
About the Author
Dr. Susan Podray-Donovan is an experienced orthodontist who has been working in the field for more than a decade. She earned her dental doctorate at Temple University and attended the same school for her Orthodontic Certification and Master’s in Biomedical Science. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontics and is the Vice President of the Georgia Association of Orthodontics. For more information or to schedule an appointment for your child at her office in Cumming, visit her website or call (678) 456-5572.