{"id":296,"date":"2026-07-01T16:53:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T16:53:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/?p=296"},"modified":"2026-07-28T17:02:45","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T17:02:45","slug":"can-you-swim-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyortho.com\/blog\/can-you-swim-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Swim with Braces? What You Need to Know Before Diving In"},"content":{"rendered":"
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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\u2019re keeping a few things in mind about your orthodontics.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Pool Chemicals Affect Your Smile<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Protecting Your Teeth & Braces This Summer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No matter how much pool time you\u2019re planning this summer, a few simple habits can help protect your smile:<\/p>\n\n\n\n