5 Oral Problems That Can Arise from Swimming

Summertime is here, which means you’ll likely be basking in the sun’s rays and swimming at your local community pool with your little ones. Just like how you put on sunscreen every time you go swimming to protect your skin, it’s also a good idea to consider the risks of taking routine dips in chlorinated water. Read on to learn more about how swimming can lead to certain oral health issues and what you can do to stop them.

Swimmer’s Calculus

One issue that can develop if you spend a lot of time in the pool throughout the summer is swimmer’s calculus. This occurs when chlorine deposits residue on the teeth, creating a film that makes them appear yellow or brown from constant exposure. If possible, try not to spend over six hours in a chemically treated pool.

Dental Sensitivity

Having the chlorine levels checked in your pool at home by a professional is important to avoid dental sensitivity. Too much chlorine can cause your enamel to wear, making them susceptible to developing cavities and feeling sensitive.

Oral Injuries

Dental injuries can happen for a variety of reasons at the pool, including playing chicken and volleyball, or even just from running and tripping on the hot stone that lines the pool. It’s important to be mindful if you’re participating in fun water sports, and be sure to remind the kiddos not to run!

Dental Pressure

If you regularly go Scuba diving in the summer, it’s also a good idea to be mindful of a condition regularly referred to as “tooth squeeze,” or barodontalgia. When you get to deep depths of water, you may feel the air within your teeth contract to match the outside pressure. This can cause dental damage and restorations like fillings to feel uncomfortable. If you do experience this, visit your dentist for a checkup to make sure you don’t have any untreated cavities!

Lost Restorations

If you go swimming with an older restoration, like a crown, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings in case it falls out. If it does, you’ll need to have it professionally repaired or replaced to prevent the affected tooth from becoming infected.

Protecting Your Smile While Swimming

To ensure your smile stays bright and healthy throughout the summer, here are a few suggestions to protect your smile while you’re swimming:

• Wear a mouthguard if you play any contact water sports.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
• Maintain a good oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing regularly.
• Get fluoride treatments to help strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity.

With the proper protective measures in place, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your healthy, summer-ready grin.

About the Author

Dr. Aom Arrechea is passionate about educating her patients and teaching them new techniques that keep their smiles healthy for a lifetime. She has completed advanced training in a variety of areas, including Level 2 sedation and special patient care. With years of experience under her belt, she’s able to confidently help patients through a wide array of oral problems. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit Daily Smiles Dental Dallas’ website or call 214-624-6221.