919-682-5327 Do you enjoy spending your days at the pool, whether indoor or outdoor, the recreation center or the gym? If so, your smile might not. Whether you believe it or not, there is a chance your smile could be in danger while you swim. In fact, you could experience several different dental issues, including:
–Mouth injuries: Many mouth injuries can occur at the pool, especially if you’re running on the slippery concrete next to the water. If you fall, there is a chance you can hit your mouth and injure your teeth and jaws. So, please don’t run at the pool. Also, if you play contact water sports, like water polo and volleyball, there is a chance a hard object can hit your mouth and cause an injury. It’s best to protect your smile with a mouthguard.
–Lost dental appliances: If you have a dental appliance in your mouth, like dentures or a retainer, it’s best to take it out of your mouth before you get into the pool. This will help you reduce your chances of losing your appliance in the water. In addition, it can also reduce your chances of ruining or damaging it.
–Swimmer’s calculus: The longer you’re in chlorinated water, the more likely your teeth are to develop swimmer’s calculus. Swimmer’s calculus is a dental issue that occurs when you spend six or more hours in chlorinated water in a week. The chlorine deposits residue on your teeth and turns them yellow or brown. This can give you a discolored smile and can increase your chances of developing gum disease. If you notice discoloration in your smile, it’s best to call your dentist and schedule an appointment.
–Tooth sensitivity: Too much chlorine can cause tooth sensitivity. This is because the chlorine can wear away your tooth enamel and make your teeth brittle and sensitive. This is why it’s important to make sure the chlorine levels in the pool are checked by a professional.
If you’re careful and you take good care of your smile while you swim in Durham, North Carolina, there is a high chance you’ll avoid these dental issues. To learn more, please feel free to call Fleming Dental at 919-682-5327 and schedule an appointment with our dentist. Our dental team is more than happy to give you the information you need to take good care of your smile!