Summer is here, and that means pool days, beach trips, and plenty of time spent splashing around with friends and family! That said, if you or your child recently got braces, you might be wondering whether a chlorinated pool or ocean water could interfere with your treatment. Luckily, you can still enjoy all of your favorite water activities this season as long as you’re keeping a few things in mind about your orthodontics.
How Pool Chemicals Affect Your Smile
Chlorine, which is found in the majority of swimming pools, is a powerful disinfectant used to keep pool water clean and safe from bacteria, but it can occasionally cause issues for people with braces. When chlorine builds up on the teeth over time, usually from frequent, prolonged exposure, it can lead to a condition sometimes called “swimmer’s calculus.” This manifests as brown or yellow staining on the teeth, particularly around the brackets.
That said, the bonding cement that holds your brackets in place is designed to be durable and water-resistant, so a few hours in the pool here and there shouldn’t compromise your treatment! For the average recreational swimmer, chlorine exposure isn’t strong enough to weaken the bonding material attaching your brackets to your teeth. However, when chlorine mixes with plaque that hasn’t been properly cleaned away, it can contribute to enamel discoloration.
It’s also worth mentioning that natural bodies of water, like lakes and oceans, don’t carry the same concentrated chemical exposure as a chlorinated pool, so they’re generally considered safe for braces!
Tips for Protecting Your Teeth & Braces This Summer
No matter how much pool time you’re planning this summer, a few simple habits can help protect your smile:
- Rinsing your mouth with plain water immediately after getting out of the pool helps wash away chlorine residue before it has a chance to settle.
- Brushing and flossing twice every day thoroughly, especially around brackets and wires, prevents plaque buildup that chlorine can worsen.
- Frequent chlorine exposure can dry out your mouth, and saliva plays an important role in naturally protecting your enamel, so be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- If it’s been longer than six months, schedule a dental visit to ensure that there are no early signs of problems.
The bottom line is, swimming with braces this summer is perfectly safe as long as you keep up with good oral hygiene habits along the way!
About the Practice
Our team here at Simply Orthodontics has proudly served patients and families all around New England for several years, offering a wide range of dental and orthodontic services for all ages. This includes tried-and-true metal braces for patients hoping to achieve straighter, healthier smiles! If you have any questions about the blog or you’re ready to schedule an appointment for yourself or a loved one, you can reach out online or call us today for more information or to find the location closest to you.
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