Chlorine, pool play, and summer sports can all take a toll on your teeth if you head into the water without a plan. A few precautions before you dive in can protect your smile all season long, from your enamel to your retainer.
At Bagoff Dental Arts, we see the same pool-related dental questions come up every summer. Here is what actually happens to your teeth in the water, and the simple steps that keep your smile healthy through Labor Day.
Mouthguards for Pool Play and Water Sports
A mouthguard is not just for the football field. Water polo, diving, water-skiing, and surfing all put teeth at risk from elbows, hard tosses, boards, and unexpected collisions. Even casual pool time carries risk: hard concrete edges and slick tile are a common cause of chipped or knocked-out teeth when a swimmer slips while climbing out of the water or diving back in.
A properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to prevent a summer sports injury from turning into an emergency dental visit. Off-the-shelf versions offer some protection, but a custom-fitted PlaySafe sports mouthguard stays in place better during high-impact play and is more comfortable to wear for an entire game or practice. For athletes who want performance data along with protection, our ORBSport smart mouthguard also tracks impacts during contact sports.
Chlorine, Swimmer’s Calculus, and Your Enamel
Pools rely on chlorine and other antimicrobials to keep the water sanitary, but heavy, repeated exposure to treated water is not free of consequences for your teeth. When pool water is not properly balanced, its pH can shift enough to soften enamel over time, a process dentists sometimes call swimming pool-related dental erosion.
A related, more visible issue is swimmer’s calculus, a hard brown or yellow deposit that forms on the front teeth of people who spend many hours a week in chlorinated water. It develops because chlorine breaks down proteins in saliva faster than the mouth can wash them away, allowing minerals to bind to the tooth surface. Research on adolescent competitive swimmers found meaningfully higher rates of dental erosion among swimmers with heavy weekly pool exposure compared to non-swimmers. Swimmer’s calculus is a cosmetic problem rather than a health emergency, but it does not brush away on its own. If you are a competitive or frequent recreational swimmer and notice discoloration or new tooth sensitivity, a professional cleaning can remove it and a fluoride treatment can help protect enamel going forward.
Retainers, Aligners, and Braces in the Water
Removable retainers should come out before you swim. Chlorine and the salt in ocean water can warp or discolor the plastic in a retainer over time, and a retainer is easy to lose in a pool, lake, or the ocean. Keep it in its case in a bag or locker rather than tucked in a towel, where it is easily forgotten and thrown away by accident.
Fixed braces handle pool water without issue since the metal brackets and wires used today resist corrosion. Clear aligners are also generally safe around chlorine, though most people find it more comfortable to remove them for a swim and put them back in once they are out of the water. If you swim for extended periods most days of the week, ask us whether keeping your aligners in during shorter swims makes sense for your treatment plan.
Protecting Your Smile for the Rest of the Season
A few habits go a long way toward keeping pool time from becoming dental trouble. Rinse with fresh water after swimming to wash away chlorine residue, stay hydrated since a dry mouth is more vulnerable to enamel wear, and wear a mouthguard for any pool sport with a real risk of contact. If an accident does happen, treat a cracked, chipped, or knocked-out tooth as a same-day concern rather than something to wait out; our emergency dental care team can often save a tooth that receives prompt attention.
Enjoy the water, and do not let a busy summer schedule push back a routine cleaning. If it has been a while since your last exam, or if you notice new sensitivity, discoloration, or damage after a summer of swimming, contact our West Orange, NJ office to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Swimming and Dental Health
Can chlorine actually damage my teeth?
Yes, in cases of heavy, repeated exposure. When pool water is not properly balanced, its chemistry can soften tooth enamel over time and contribute to a brown tartar buildup on the front teeth known as swimmer’s calculus. Occasional recreational swimming carries a much lower risk than daily competitive training.
Should I take my retainer out before swimming?
Yes. Chlorinated and salt water can warp or discolor the plastic in a removable retainer, and it is easy to lose a retainer in the water. Store it in its case rather than wrapping it in a towel or napkin, where it is often forgotten and thrown away.
Do I need a mouthguard for swimming and water sports?
A mouthguard is strongly recommended for contact water sports such as water polo, and it is a smart precaution for diving, water-skiing, and surfing as well. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers better protection and comfort than a generic store-bought version.
What is swimmer’s calculus and how do I get rid of it?
Swimmer’s calculus is a hard, brown or yellow tartar deposit that forms on the front teeth of people who spend many hours a week in chlorinated water. It does not brush away at home. A professional dental cleaning removes the deposit, and a fluoride treatment can help protect enamel from further erosion.
Can I swim with braces or Invisalign?
Fixed braces are safe for swimming since modern brackets and wires resist corrosion from pool chemicals. Clear aligners are generally safe around chlorine as well, though most people find it easier to remove them before a swim and put them back in once they are dry.
