Summer has arrived in the Valley and that means one thing: you’re in the pool. Splashing in the pool might put a smile on your face, but have you ever considered the effects it might have on your teeth?

Chlorine Is the Good Guy (Mostly)

Chlorine keeps pool water safe. Without it, swimming pools would be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and waterborne illness.

The issue comes down to how much chlorine is in the water and how often your teeth are exposed to it. A few laps on the weekend? Probably not a concern. Competitive training for hours every week? That’s a different story.

Chlorinated pool water has a higher pH than saliva. Even though you aren’t drinking the pool water (hopefully!), some of that water is likely to reach your teeth and over time that chemical difference can affect the enamel, the hard protective outer layer of your teeth.

What Is Swimmer’s Calculus?

Researchers have a name for what forms on the teeth of frequent swimmers: swimmer’s calculus. It shows up as yellow, dark yellow, or brown deposits, most noticeable on the front teeth.

Here’s what’s happening: pool chemicals cause proteins in your saliva to break down more quickly than normal. Those proteins then stick to your tooth surfaces and, over time, harden into deposits. It looks similar to the staining some people see with certain antibacterial mouthwashes.

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found these deposits in competitive swimmers as young as 5 years old, and researchers found them in about 58% of competitive swimmers between ages 6 and 18.

The good news? Swimmer’s calculus is typically not associated with gum disease, and it can be removed with a professional cleaning. It’s more of an aesthetic issue than a health emergency, though it can become harder to remove the longer it’s left on.

A Few Easy Ways to Protect Your Smile

You don’t have to give up swimming. You don’t even have to cut back. A few simple habits go a long way:

• Rinse after you swim. Plain water. Swishing and spitting after you get out of the pool helps wash away pool chemicals before they have time to sit on your teeth.
• Keep up with regular cleanings. This is the most important one. If swimmer’s calculus is forming, professional cleanings can remove it before it becomes a bigger deal. If you’re swimming heavily, coming in every three to four months (rather than six) may be worth it.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps reinforce enamel and makes your teeth more resistant to chemical wear.
• Pay attention to pool chemistry. Whether it’s your own backyard pool or one you use regularly, properly maintained water (pH between 7.2 and 7.8) is less likely to cause problems. If pool linings, ladders, or railings show signs of corrosion, that’s a signal the water may be too acidic.
• Don’t forget the kids. Young competitive swimmers are just as vulnerable as adults, sometimes more so. Their training schedules can be intense, and swimmer’s calculus has been observed even in very young children. If your kid is swimming laps regularly, let us know so we can watch for it.

Reminder About Pool Safety

One more thing worth mentioning: slippery pool decks are a real hazard for chipped or knocked-out teeth, especially for kids. A reminder to walk (not run) around the pool goes a long way. For kids playing water polo or other contact water sports, a mouthguard is a smart idea.

We’re Here to Help

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there. It’s easy on the joints, great for cardiovascular health, and a lifesaver during an Arizona summer. We want you to enjoy every lap.

If you’ve been swimming a lot and you’re noticing changes in your teeth, or if you just want to check in and make sure everything looks good, we’d love to see you. Give us a call at 602-246-2217. We’re always happy to help.