Are You Spending Time in the Pool? If So, Watch Out for These Smile Problems

Dr. [doctor_name] and our dental team care about you and your smile, which is why we encourage you to take good care of your teeth, gums, and jaws while you spend time at the pool, whether for recreation or exercise.

It might not seem like it, but the pool–whether indoor or outdoor– can be dangerous for your smile. You could experience many dental issues if you’re not careful, including:

Swimmer’s calculus: If your teeth are exposed to chlorinated water for a long amount of time, you could suffer from swimmer’s calculus. This occurs when the chlorine deposits residue on your teeth, which can turn the teeth yellow or even brown. This problem can occur if you are in chlorinated water for over six hours in a week.

Tooth sensitivity: If a pool is improperly chlorinated, there is a chance it could result in sensitive teeth. The chlorine can wear away your tooth enamel and make your teeth brittle and sensitive.

Mouth injuries: High-contact water sports, like water polo and water volleyball, can increase your risk of experiencing a dental emergency. This is because a hard or forceful object can hit your mouth and chip, fracture, or knock out one or more of your teeth. It could also harm your jaws. This is why it’s important to wear a mouthguard while you play.

Lost dental appliances: Remember to take retainers, dentures, and other dental appliances out of your mouth before you swim. This will help you reduce your chances of losing your appliance while you’re in the water. It will also help you reduce your chances of damaging or ruining it.

If you would like to learn more or if you have any questions, please remember to call [practice_name] at [phone] when you have the chance. Your dentist in [city], [state], is happy to give you the tips you need in order to take good care of your smile while you swim!