While many athletic activities such as boxing, football, and hockey are well-known for causing dental emergencies, swimming isn’t typically thought of as particularly threatening to your smile. While it’s unlikely that you’ll dislodge any teeth by performing a cannonball off the diving board, the chlorine in swimming pools can damage your enamel if you’re not careful. Here’s how to cool off this summer while keeping your teeth safe from harm.
Swimmer’s Calculus Won’t Earn You Any Extra Credit Over the Summer
If your teeth are exposed to chlorinated water for a long time, they become more likely to develop swimmer’s calculus. Constant exposure to the water in your local swimming pool can leave unsightly deposits on your teeth that can eventually turn them yellow or brown. However, this condition usually only occurs in swimmers who spend more than six hours in chlorinated water weekly. If you notice any stains like these on your own or your children’s teeth, talk to your dentist. They can remove them with dental treatments and offer tips to prevent them.
Tooth Squeeze Won’t Leave You Pleased
Do you like to dive or snorkel? Being deep under water can lead to a condition called tooth squeeze or barodontalgia. This painful condition results from the air inside your teeth contracting to match the surrounding pressure, which can cause dental pain or even damage to restorative work like fillings or crowns or appliances like dentures. A great way to prevent this unpleasant problem is to ask your dentist to inspect your mouth for loose restorations or untreated tooth decay before going swimming.
It Can Be Easy to Lose Dental Appliances in a Pool
If you’ve ever swam in a public pool, you’ve probably noticed loose debris floating around in the water. Unfortunately, personal appliances like retainers or dentures can be lost all too easily during a summer swim. It’s best to remove your retainer before swimming not only to prevent its loss but also to make sure that it isn’t damaged by chlorine. While you don’t need to remove dentures before swimming, the water can loosen the suction that holds them in place. You can address this with denture adhesive, but talk to your dentist if they still feel loose.
Swimming is an excellent way to stay healthy, have fun, and prevent drowning. By taking the proper precautions before you go for a dip, you can avoid a corresponding “dip” in your dental health.
About the Practice
Castle Rock Smiles offers the finest pediatric dental services to the community of Castle Rock, CO. Led by Drs. Layne Benzley and Bianca Hoffman, the staff ensures that each patient receives effective treatments that help them maintain their smiles for life. Areas of expertise include pediatric preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. For more tips on keeping your child’s smile safe over the summer, contact the office online or dial (303) 660-5373.
