Summer is finally here and the temperatures are rising. What better way to cool off on a hot, sunny day than a nice dip in your swimming pool? Before you jump in, make sure to always have the essentials ready; sunscreen to prevent sunburn and a towel to dry off. You should also double–check the pH levels in your swimming pool. High chlorination levels can cause dental and enamel erosion.
Researchers from the New York University College of Dentistry have found that improperly maintained swimming pools can cause severe and rapid dental erosion – loss of hard tissue from the surface of the teeth. Symptoms include tooth decay and tooth sensitivity or pain when chewing. If left untreated, one can develop “swimmers calculus”, which is a brown, cement-like deposit of tartar on your teeth that is difficult to remove and may require a professional cleaning. Dental erosion is a serious condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated by a dentist immediately to prevent permanent damage.
It can be expensive for homeowners to hire a professional pool service to properly maintain chlorine and pH levels. With weekly monitoring, they can manage their pools efficiently on their own.
Along with persistent maintenance, there are other ways to prevent dental erosion due to improper pH levels. You should always swim with your mouth closed and take breaks every 30 – 45 minutes to rinse your mouths with clean, bottled water in order to wash away excess acidity. Also try and limit the intake of acidic beverages, such as fruit juices and carbonated drinks, before and after swimming. Most importantly, remember to schedule regular dental check-ups. It’s the only way to make sure your dental health is safe and on track.
To learn more information on the research conducted by the New York University College of Dentistry, visit http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2011/05/23/is-your-swimming-pool-safe-for-your-teeth.html .
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