Risks to Oral Health Posed by Swimming

Risks to Oral Health Posed by Swimming
By Alexandra Benson Moore, RDH, MS, Christina Calleros, RDH, MS and Diana B. Aboytes, RDH, MS

Swimming is a popular sport in the United States. USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming, has more than 400,000 members.¹ According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, swimming is the fifth most popular form of exercise, with 7.3% of Americans participating.² An excellent way to stay fit, swimming is low impact, offers strength and cardiovascular benefits simultaneously, and can improve lung capacity. While swimming is a healthy way to exercise, there are oral health risks for both competitive and recreational swimmers. Exposure to pool chlorination may negatively impact oral health through a phenomenon known as “swimmer’s mouth.” Daily exposure to chlorinated water can cause teeth staining, dental pain, increased calculus formation, and dental erosion. If the pool is not properly maintained, these effects can manifest in as little as 27 days of exposure.³

* References can be found in the original article via the link below.

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