Beach or pool? Where to find the best water for your teeth

Whether you’re just looking for a place to cool off during the summer or you’re an avid swimmer all year round, you may be surprised to hear that the type of water you swim in can impact your dental health.

In this article, you can read about the effects that salty water at the beach and chlorinated water in swimming pools can have on your teeth. Keep reading and find out which water could be the best for your teeth and how to protect them when swimming.

The beach - is salt water good for your teeth?

It’s no secret that gargling salt water is good for your teeth, especially after you’ve undergone dental work.

In theory, your teeth could benefit from coming into contact with salt water when you swim in the sea, but you should be aware that seawater doesn't only contain salt. We don’t recommend intentionally swirling a lot of seawater around your mouth during a trip to the beach because, depending on the sea you swim in, the water may contain other elements that could harm your oral health.

So, let’s suppose you go to a beach where the water is unpolluted and doesn’t contain excessive amounts of salt. What are the benefits of this type of salt water for your teeth?

• Salt water has antibacterial properties. Swirling salt water in your mouth can reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, thus preventing infections in your teeth and gums.
• It can help to heal minor sores in the mouth. This is why dentists recommend swirling salt water 1-2 times a day to speed up the healing process after having dental work.
  

That being said, while salty water is generally good for your teeth, seawater can have more disadvantages than benefits if you have frequent exposure to it:

• The amount of salt and the size of the particles can be quite abrasive, causing your tooth enamel to erode over time.
• High levels of salt can also cause dehydration, which can reduce the amount of saliva produced in the mouth. Saliva is essential for neutralising acids in the mouth, therefore preventing tooth decay.
  
• The sea often holds a lot of bacteria, so although salt water can be antibacterial, it may not be a good idea to go into the sea if you have any sores or wounds in the mouth, as you may be exposing them to bacteria.
  

However, there are some tips you can follow to protect your teeth when swimming in the sea which we’ll outline later on in the article.

The swimming pool - does chlorine damage your teeth?

Almost everybody loves a trip to the swimming pool, especially during the summer to cool off from the heat. But did you know that regularly coming into contact with high levels of chlorine is bad for your teeth?

Here we’ll outline some of the ways in which the chlorine in swimming pool water can have a negative effect on your teeth:

• Enamel erosion: Another way in which prolonged exposure to swimming pool water is bad for your teeth, especially water with high levels of chlorine, is that it can damage the enamel of your teeth by causing it to erode. With weaker enamel, you may be more susceptible to sensitivity, which, if you’re a regular swimmer, may make your teeth hurt after swimming.
• Teeth staining or discolouration: As chlorine causes the enamel of your teeth to erode, this can make your teeth more susceptible to staining, especially if you spend a lot of time in the pool.
  
• Swimmer’s calculus: Swimmer’s tartar, otherwise known as swimmer’s calculus, is a specific type of tartar that forms on the teeth of people who regularly swim in chlorinated pools.
  
• Dry mouth: Frequent contact with chlorinated water can reduce saliva production, thus drying out the mouth. Saliva is needed to wash away excess food particles and to neutralise acid in the mouth. Lack of saliva can increase the risk of gum disease or tooth decay.
  

So, if you’re a regular swimmer, there are steps you can take to protect your teeth and ensure they don’t hurt after swimming due to increased sensitivity. Read on to find out how you can minimise the negative effect that swimming pool chlorine can have on your teeth.

How to protect your teeth from salt water or chlorine when swimming

Whether you frequent the pool or the beach, there are several measures you can take to ensure optimal protection of your teeth when swimming.

Here are just some suggestions you can follow after swimming in the sea for better protection of your teeth:

• Rinse your mouth with fresh water or with a mouthwash to remove the excess salt from around your teeth.
• Ensure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
  
• Follow a regular oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
  

The following are recommendations on how to protect your teeth from chlorine at the swimming pool:

• Rinse with fresh water or mouthwash after leaving the pool to ensure you rinse out any excess chlorine from around your teeth and gums.
• Use a mouthguard when swimming to minimise the amount of contact your teeth have when swimming in a chlorinated pool.
  
• Ensure the pH levels of the pool are optimal (between 7 and 7.8). Anything more acidic than this can speed up enamel erosion and cause damage to your gums.
  
• Follow a regular dental hygiene routine and use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel.
  
• Schedule regular check-ups with your dentist so that they can monitor the condition of your teeth.
  

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of swimming in both the pool and the sea, it's evident that neither type of water is 'best' for your teeth. At the end of the day, as long as you ensure to take good care of your dental health, you can enjoy both the pool and the beach regularly.

How to care for your teeth with Impress

While we’ve explored how you can take care of your teeth when you go swimming at the pool or the beach, Impress can help you improve your overall oral health further.

If you’re seeking a discreet and efficient means of straightening your teeth, we at Impress specialise in clear aligner treatments.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how Impress can improve your smile, visit your nearest Impress clinic and ask our team about the treatments available. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online, by phone at +44 20 3808 1072, or via WhatsApp.