Chlorine and Tooth Enamel

Does Chlorine in Swimming Pools Causing Tooth Enamel?

Who doesn’t love summer with its breezy and lazy days and afternoons spent poolside lounging with friends?

But when it comes to your dental health, the chlorine in swimming pools may be associated with dental problems.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention observed that competitive swimmers who swam regularly in pool water that was too highly chlorinated, and consequently acidic, consistently showed signs of eroded tooth enamel.

While this research is alarming, it isn’t reason to prohibit your children from splashing around in a swimming pool this summer. Swimming is not just fun, but it is a great form of low-impact exercise that boosts heart-rate, strengthens muscles and builds lean muscle mass.

Here are a few things you can do to protect your teeth and keep alive your child’s dreams of becoming the next Michael Phelps.

- Don’t over-chlorinate your pools. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant and a little goes a long way. Stick to the recommended amounts for your pool size.
- Limit swimming time: Have you or your kids take breaks while swimming in chlorinated pools.
- Seek out chlorine alternatives: Michigan is brim with lakes. Take advantage of the state’s numerous lakes or ponds or seek out a saltwater swimming pool.
If you have specific questions or concerns about how the chlorine in swimming pools may be affecting you or your child’s dental health, give Livonia Dental Care a call. We would be more than happy to offer you our expert information and advice.

For more information on this topic or any dental related procedure check out our website. If you have any questions, or a dental emergency, you can reach Dr. Jay at Livonia Dental Care at 734.427.7555. “Like” us on Facebook and check out our YouTube.