{"id":206,"date":"2024-06-03T20:38:54","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T20:38:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.villagepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=206"},"modified":"2024-07-26T20:43:01","modified_gmt":"2024-07-26T20:43:01","slug":"can-swimming-harm-smiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.villagepediatricdentistry.com\/blog\/can-swimming-harm-smiles\/","title":{"rendered":"Can Swimming Hurt Your Child’s Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"child<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Is your child planning to spend the summer swimming? While swimming is generally safer for dental health compared to sports like boxing or football, extended exposure to pool or ocean water can still impact their oral health. The chemicals used to keep pool water clean, such as chlorine, can sometimes lead to dental problems<\/a>. Keep reading to learn how these chemicals can affect your child’s smile and what you can do to protect their oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Swimmer\u2019s Calculus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Spending lots of time in the pool can lead to a condition called swimmer\u2019s calculus. Chlorinated water can leave residue on teeth, causing yellow or brown stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This issue is common in swimmers who spend over six hours a week in treated water. If you notice these stains on your child\u2019s teeth, inform their dentist. The dentist can remove the stains, offer prevention tips, and recommend more frequent cleanings if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you have a pool at home, it’s important to have a professional regularly check and maintain the chlorine levels. Improperly chlorinated pools can erode enamel, making teeth more sensitive and brittle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mouth Injuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Engaging in high-contact sports like water polo or water volleyball increases the risk of tooth and jaw injuries for your child. Protect their smile by ensuring they always wear a mouthguard during play to reduce the risk of dental trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Squeeze<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Divers and snorkelers can experience “tooth squeeze” or barodontalgia, especially at deep underwater levels. This happens when trapped air in the teeth contracts due to pressure, causing discomfort and potential damage to fillings, crowns, or other dental work. Before your child’s next diving trip, consult your dentist to check for untreated cavities or loose dental restorations to prevent complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What You Can Do to Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, you can follow these tips to protect your child’s smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n