With the arrival of July and the heat intensifying in the Axarquía region, swimming pools become our favorite refuge. However, if you’re someone who enjoys swimming daily or your children spend hours underwater, there’s an invisible factor that could be weakening your teeth without you realizing it: the chlorine and pH of the water.
At Acosta Cubero Dental Clinic in Vélez-Málaga, we want you to enjoy summer to the fullest, but also to protect your enamel. Today we’ll explain what “swimmer’s tartar” is and how to prevent pool chemicals from damaging your oral health. Dive into these prevention tips! 🛡️
The invisible enemy: The pH of water 🤔
To keep pool water free of bacteria, chemicals such as chlorine are used. The problem arises when the water’s pH levels are not perfectly balanced. If the water is too acidic, a process called dental erosion occurs.
Unlike cavities (which are caused by bacteria), erosion is a chemical wearing away of the enamel. Prolonged contact with chlorinated water softens and wears away the tooth’s protective layer, exposing the dentin and making your teeth more vulnerable to stains and sensitivity. ⚠️
What is “swimmer’s tartar”? ⚠️
Es un fenómeno muy común en personas que nadan más de seis horas a la semana. El cloro, al mezclarse con las proteínas de la saliva, puede favorecer la formación de unos depósitos de color marrón o amarillento, especialmente en los dientes delanteros.
In addition to this specific scale, continued exposure to chlorine can cause:
- Acute tooth sensitivity: When you lose enamel, the cold of summer drinks becomes unbearable.
- Dry mouth: Chlorine alters the composition of saliva, reducing its ability to protect us from bacteria. ✨
Tips to protect your smile this summer ⚙️
You don’t have to stop swimming to take care of your mouth. At our clinic in Vélez-Málaga we recommend following these simple steps:
- Rinse with fresh water: As soon as you get out of the pool, drink water or rinse your mouth with tap water. This helps remove any remaining chlorine and neutralize the pH in your mouth immediately.
- Don’t brush your teeth right after: The enamel is softened by the acid in the chlorine. Brushing immediately afterward could wear it down further. Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Constant hydration: Drinking water frequently helps generate saliva, which is your natural defense against acids.
- Post-summer check-up: A professional cleaning at the end of the pool season will remove accumulated limescale and strengthen your enamel with fluoride applications if necessary.
Enjoy the water in complete safety in Vélez-Málaga! 😊
The key to a healthy mouth is information and prevention. Now that you know how chlorine affects your teeth, you can continue enjoying your swims in the Axarquía region with the peace of mind that comes from protecting your health.
If you notice your teeth are yellowing or you experience discomfort when eating ice cream after swimming, contact Acosta Cubero dental clinic in Vélez-Málaga. We’ll check the condition of your enamel and help you maintain a strong, healthy smile all summer long. See you at the clinic! ✨
