Swimming has often been praised for its health benefits, but did you know that swimmers may experience discolored teeth? Many pool enthusiasts notice a yellowish tint on their pearly whites, which could be quite concerning.
The main culprit behind yellow teeth in swimmers is chlorine. Excessive exposure to this chemical can lead to swimmer’s calculus. This condition usually affects individuals who spend more than six hours per week swimming in chlorinated water. The high pH levels in pool water can contribute to the staining of your teeth, making them appear yellow or brown.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this common issue affecting swimmers and how you can keep your smile bright and healthy.
Potential Causes of Yellow Teeth for Swimmers
Chlorine Exposure
One of the main reasons swimmers might experience yellow teeth is due to exposure to chlorine in pool water. When you swim frequently, your teeth are constantly being exposed to chemicals like chlorine which can break down tooth enamel and cause discoloration. Over time, your once-white teeth can take on a yellow or brown color due to this exposure.
In addition, excessive chlorine in the water can lead to a condition called “swimmer’s calculus,” which causes mineral deposits to form on your teeth, giving them a discolored appearance and sometimes making them more prone to decay. This issue is more common in individuals who swim for more than six hours per week in chemically treated waters.
Effects of Chemicals in Pool Water
Besides chlorine, there are other chemicals in pool water that might contribute to the yellowing of teeth. One such chemical is hydrochloric acid, which can be released when chlorine reacts with organic compounds in the water.
This acid can wear away tooth enamel, exposing the underlying dentin, a naturally yellowish material that makes up the body of your teeth. As a result, your teeth may appear more yellow than before.
To minimize the risk of enamel erosion and the associated yellowing, make sure to use a straw when drinking acidic beverages and limit their consumption as much as possible.
Influence of Genes and Lifestyle
The natural color of your teeth also depends on genetic factors and lifestyle choices, such as diet and oral hygiene habits. Some people are more prone to developing yellow teeth due to genetics and a thinner enamel layer. This means their dentin shows through more easily, giving the teeth a naturally yellow appearance.
Moreover, consumption of staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine, or habits like smoking and poor oral hygiene, contribute to teeth discoloration. In combination with the effects of swimming pool chemicals, these factors can heighten the risk of swimmers developing yellow teeth.
How Swimmers Are at Higher Risk
Constant Pool Chlorine Concentration
As a swimmer, this constant chlorine exposure can lead to the deposition of residue on your teeth, eventually causing them to turn yellow or brown over time. However, the solution isn’t to swim less or to swim in pools with less chlorine.
You will have to make an effort not to get water in your mouth and to keep up with your oral hygiene as best you can to limit chlorine’s damaging effects.
pH Level Imbalance in Swimming Pools
The water in swimming pools contains chemical additives such as anti-microbials, which can raise the pH level of the water to a higher level than that of your saliva. This pH imbalance can cause proteins in your mouth to bind with minerals to create a hard, yellowish-brown mineral deposit—calculus—on your teeth, leading to stains and discoloration.
Increased Sensitivity in Competitive Swimmers
Competitive swimmers tend to be in the pool far more often, increasing their risk of developing yellow teeth. A study found that extrinsic staining was identified on all collegiate swimmers and divers, with the staining not being prevented by tooth brushing or professional stain removal.
For these athletes, it is especially important to explore additional oral hygiene regimens to help reduce the effects of chlorine exposure and pH level imbalances. Ask your dentist for advice on how you should care for your teeth going forward.
By being proactive about your dental health, you can minimize the risk associated with long-term exposure to pool water and keep your smile bright.
Prevention and Remedies
Effective Oral Hygiene Practices
To prevent yellow teeth from swimming, practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, using a toothpaste containing fluoride. This will help remove plaque and keep your teeth strong.
Don’t forget to floss daily, as this helps clean the gaps between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Consider using a mouthwash or an antimicrobial rinse to further reduce the risk of dental issues.
Dental Checkups and Treatments
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential in maintaining your oral health and keeping your teeth white. Your dentist can detect early signs of swimmer’s calculus, tooth decay, and gum inflammation, providing necessary treatments before these problems worsen.
If you already have yellow or stained teeth, discuss whitening treatments with your dentist. They may recommend in-office or at-home treatments depending on the severity of the discoloration.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Be mindful of the foods and drinks you consume, as some can contribute to tooth staining. Limit your intake of tea, coffee, red wine, soda, tomato sauce, and soy sauce, as they can darken your teeth’s outer enamel layer. Swimmers should also stay well-hydrated by drinking water frequently, which can help rinse away acids in the mouth. Avoid smoking, since it’s a significant cause of tooth discoloration and gum problems.
Swimming Pool Water Maintenance
Proper swimming pool maintenance can help minimize the risk of swimmer’s calculus. If you swim in your own pool, check chlorine and pH levels regularly to ensure they are within the recommended range—typically between 1.0 to 3.0 ppm for chlorine and 7.4 to 7.6 for pH.
If you swim in a public pool, encourage the pool operators to maintain proper water conditions or consider switching to a facility with better maintenance practices. Teach children to avoid swallowing pool water, as this might expose their teeth to higher levels of chlorine.
By following these guidelines, you can protect your teeth from discoloration and maintain a healthy, bright smile even while enjoying regular swimming sessions.
Sources:
- https://www.usms.org/fitness-and-training/articles-and-videos/articles/how-can-i-keep-my-teeth-white-as-a-swimmer
- https://grin.deltadentalins.com/archive/2018/summer/swimming-oral-health/
- https://smilereef.com/2017/07/12/swimmers-calculus-teeth-problems-how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-chlorine-stains/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7533807/
- https://swimswam.com/study-finds-swimmers-six-times-more-likely-to-see-stained-teeth/
