Enjoying the outdoors and having poolside fun is a staple of Floridian life. However, along with the enjoyment of the water comes a threat that is often overlooked– chlorine. Chlorine is used in swimming pools because it kills harmful bacteria and maintains water clarity. However, the same chemical can have negative effects on your dental health.
Exposure to chlorine can lead to various problems, including dry mouth, enamel erosion, and oral tissue irritation. Given the risks of swimming in a chlorinated pool, it becomes important to consult with a dentist in Boynton Beach. Seeing a dentist after a pool day allows you to monitor any changes in your dental health and take appropriate action if required.
What are the effects of chlorine on oral health?
Chlorine is a potent chemical that keeps the pool water safe and clean to swim in. However, when it comes in contact with your body, it can have adverse effects.
For instance, chlorine has a drying effect on the mucous membranes of your mouth, thus making it dry and reducing saliva production. Saliva is important for optimal dental health. It helps neutralize acids, wash away food particles, and fight bacteria. Therefore, when your mouth becomes dry, it is more likely to develop cavities and bad breath.
Additionally, being exposed to chlorine for a long time can lead to enamel erosion. Chlorine creates an acidic environment, which can eventually lead to tooth decay, sensitivity, and discoloration. Therefore, if you are someone who frequently goes swimming in a chlorinated pool, you should take additional measures to protect your dental health.
Signs that your teeth have chlorine-related problems
This is particularly important for people who swim regularly. Be on the lookout for these problems that can be caused by chlorine water so that you can take appropriate measures.
- Dry mouth: A dry mouth is an obvious sign of a dental issue. If your mouth feels like there is a lack of saliva production, leading to difficulty in eating food, that could have been caused by chlorine water.
- Tooth sensitivity: Chlorine water can cause enamel damage and erosion. Therefore, it is common to experience tooth sensitivity. If it pains when consuming hot or cold items, it could be a sign.
- Discolored teeth: Stains on teeth can occur due to a number of reasons. It becomes difficult to pinpoint whether it is due to swimming in a chlorinated pool. However, if you are someone who frequently goes swimming, this could be a sign.
- Bad breath: Lack of saliva production in the mouth can lead to various problems, including bad breath.
If you are a swimmer and notice these symptoms, be sure to visit your dentist immediately.
How do you take care of your oral health at the poolside?
If you are someone who loves going to swim in public and private swimming pools, it can be impossible to avoid the chlorinated water. Still, there are some measures you can take to protect your oral health.
First of all, make sure to rinse your mouth before and after the swimming session. Doing this will decrease the amount of chlorine concentration in your mouth. Since chlorine can highly make your mouth dry, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. This will combat the dryness and promote saliva production.
Since chlorine also affects your enamel, it is important to take extra care of it as well. You can use a fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash to strengthen your enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help with saliva stimulation. Opting for sugar-free ones ensures that you do not cause additional harm to your dental health.
Protect your teeth on the poolside!
If you love swimming and want to take care of your dental health, it can be hard to avoid chlorinated water. However, you can take extra care of your teeth by visiting your dentist regularly. Book your dental appointment in Florida today!
