{"id":148,"date":"2021-05-07T12:45:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T12:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.primedentistrytx.com\/blog\/?p=148"},"modified":"2025-12-29T19:14:35","modified_gmt":"2025-12-29T19:14:35","slug":"is-swimming-bad-for-your-teeth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.primedentistrytx.com\/blog\/2021\/05\/07\/is-swimming-bad-for-your-teeth\/","title":{"rendered":"True or False: Is Swimming Bad for Your Teeth?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Most people look forward to the warmer months as they\u2019re excited to spend their days outdoors, soaking up the summer sun and enjoying the beautiful weather. Swimming is one of the most popular seasonal activities, and for good reason\u2014what better way to cool down than taking a plunge into a refreshing body of water? However, spending too much in the pool can have adverse effects on your mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn how swimming is bad for your teeth and what you can do to protect your smile this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How is Swimming Bad for Your Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Swimming is a great form of exercise for both children and adults, but frequent exposure to pool water can put your dental health at risk. In addition to dehydrating your skin and discoloring your hair, it can damage your tooth enamel. Studies report that extended exposure to chlorinated water can lead to staining and tooth erosion. One study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology in 1986, concluded that out of almost 750 professional swimmers surveyed, 40% of them suffered from enamel erosion of their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Chlorine Damage Your Teeth?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Enamel erosion happens when the pH balance (how acidic or alkaline the water is) of a swimming pool drops too low. Thus, improperly chlorinated pools can harm your oral health. When the pH drops, the water becomes corrosive and can leave your teeth brittle and sensitive.  The CDC recommends the pH levels of treated water to be between 7.2 and 7.8. If your eyes are starting to water, or if your nose burns from smelling the pool, they\u2019re signs of low pH. Before diving into your pool at home, have the chlorine levels checked by a professional to prevent serious dental damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Protecting Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few visits to the local pool each year is unlikely to cause significant damage, so don\u2019t worry about having to give up swimming completely! Like most things, moderation is key. Here are some tips you can follow to protect your teeth:<\/p>\n\n\n\n