PROLONGED POOL WATER EXPOSURE can affect your teeth. One study showed that 39% of swim team members suffered from dental erosion, dental lesions, pits or white spots, on their front teeth. These front tooth spots were found in only 12% of recreational swimmers, while only 3% on non-swimmers had anterior tooth damage.
Avid Swimmers: Protect Your Smile from Pool Water!
If you're on a swim team, play water polo, or swim daily, be aware of the affects of pool water on your teeth. To make your pool water ideal for the protection of your teeth, make sure that your pool water is not only pH neutral but also that it is saturated with hydroxyapatite components.
Pool Water Isn't The Only Risk Factor
Factors that increase the risk of dental erosion include the duration of swimming and the amount of training in pool water. Other extrinsic factors include acidic foods, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, low pH medications, and occupational exposure to acidic environments. Diseases associated with vomiting and other eating disorders that lower pH in the mouth can also cause dental erosion.
Dental decalcification and erosion caused by pool water may also make it more difficult for your braces to stick on your teeth.
3 Simple Ideas To Protect Your Teeth
If you are a competitive swimmer and you want to protect your teeth from the affects of pool water, here are things you can do:
- Drink fluoridated water often and swish your mouth with water, especially right after you work out.
- Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash such as Crest ProHealth Anti-cavity Rinse.
- See your dentist regularly for your 6 month check-ups.
If you are an occasional swimmer in pools on vacation or in hotels, chances are you will not be affected by pool water erosion of your teeth. Please pass this information on to others you may know to spend hours working out in the pool.
If you have additional questions about your teeth, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California, www.clubbraces.com, or call us at (925) 757-9000.
