{"id":129,"date":"2021-06-29T15:43:14","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T15:43:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dailysmilesdental.com\/blog\/?p=129"},"modified":"2025-08-01T16:39:47","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T16:39:47","slug":"swimming-and-oral-health","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dailysmilesdental.com\/blog\/2021\/06\/29\/swimming-and-oral-health\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Oral Problems That Can Arise from Swimming"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summertime is here, which means you\u2019ll likely be basking in the sun\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Swimmer\u2019s Calculus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One issue that can develop if you spend a lot of time in the pool throughout the summer is swimmer\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oral Injuries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s important to be mindful if you\u2019re participating in fun water sports, and be sure to remind the kiddos not to run!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dental Pressure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you regularly go Scuba diving in the summer, it\u2019s also a good idea to be mindful of a condition regularly referred to as \u201ctooth squeeze,\u201d 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<\/a> for a checkup to make sure you don\u2019t have any untreated cavities!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lost Restorations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you go swimming with an older restoration, like a crown, it\u2019s a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings in case it falls out. If it does, you\u2019ll need to have it professionally repaired or replaced to prevent the affected tooth from becoming infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protecting Your Smile While Swimming<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To ensure your smile stays bright and healthy throughout the summer, here are a few suggestions to protect your smile while you\u2019re swimming:<\/p>\n\n\n\n