HAVE YOUR ever experienced tooth sensitivity after a swim at the pool? That’s no coincidence, although it can take quite a lot of swimming before the effects become noticeable. What is it about the water in swimming pools that damages teeth? Read on to find out why.
Chlorine: Good For Sanitation, Bad For Teeth
That’s right: the same chemical that kills many of the germs that love swimming in fresh water as much as we do can also be pretty hard on our teeth if the pool’s pH isn’t carefully regulated. The proper pH for pool water is 7.2-7.8, but it can easily become acidic because of the chlorine.
Swimmer’s Calculus: A Risk For Serious Swimmers
Swimmer’s Calculus isn’t the name of an underwater math class; it’s what happens to tooth enamel after prolonged exposure to acidic chlorine ions. The pH of saliva in a healthy mouth is very close to neutral. Therefore, it’s the perfect pH to keep your teeth strong (as long as we’re also brushing and flossing).
Acid, like the diluted hydrochloric acid that forms in pools with chlorine, will erode more tooth enamel the longer we swim. This can lead to “swimmer’s calculus,” or yellow and brown stains on our teeth. It can also cause tooth sensitivity after swimming, because erosion of the enamel exposes the more vulnerable dentin underneath.
Other Underwater Tooth Problems
Maybe you’re not a huge fan of the public pool, but you love snorkeling and diving in natural bodies of water. While you probably won’t have to worry about swimmer’s calculus, those activities come with their own set of tooth-threatening problems.
Scuba Diving And Tooth Squeeze
Diving in the deep end of a pool is enough to make us feel the water pressure in our ears, but did you know that when you dive deep enough, you might feel it in your teeth?
Barodontalgia, or tooth squeeze, is what happens when tiny air bubbles trapped in cracks, crevices, and holes in our teeth change size due to pressure. This can cause significant tooth pain and it can even fracture teeth. The best way to prevent it is to visit the dentist before diving season begins.
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
Most divers know the inconvenience of the mouthpiece design. But, you might not know all the specific ways it’s bad for your teeth. Also, the shape has been described as “one size fits none” because it’s too small and doesn’t really fit most divers’ teeth. Despite the less-than-ideal size and shape, we still have to grip it between our teeth the entire time we dive.
Clenching our jaws, when the pressure is mostly on the front teeth, can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ). TMJ causes jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. A good solution, particularly for a frequent diver, is to get a custom-fitted molded mouthpiece.
To learn more about Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome and facial pain and the treatment options available, watch the video below:
YouTube: short video on TMJ & facial pain.
We’ll Help You Prepare Your Teeth For The Water!
We want to make sure you have a great summer enjoying your favorite water activities without fear for your teeth. Avoid tooth sensitivity, facial pain and Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome this summer!
In conclusion, schedule an appointment so that we can help you avoid these common underwater tooth problems! And if you’re on vacation and are in need of a great dental clinic in Acapulco, just gives a call and we’ll take care of you.
Thank you for being part of the Smile Acapulco family!