Skip to main content

Is Your Swimming Pool Safe for Your Smile?

Swimming Pool Safety Alexandria VA

Summer is a prime time to hit the pool with friends and family. As you take steps to protect your skin and eyes from long days of swimming, you may also want to be mindful of your teeth. That’s right; the same chlorine water that can turn blonde hair into green can also cause stains, sensitivity and damage across your pearly whites.

Chlorine is an antimicrobial agent that is frequently used in swimming pools to kill harmful bacteria. While parents appreciate this disinfectant at the neighborhood pool, it can cause some setbacks within your smile if the water is improperly (or overly) chlorinated.

The CDC recommends that pool water register at a level between 7.2 and 7.8 on the pH scale. Unfortunately, not all pools adhere to this guideline. When too much chlorine exists in the pool, the pH can fall below 7 and becomes a threat to your teeth enamel. In an acidic environment, enamel can wear down or erode. This leads to discoloration and sensitivity to hot and cold foods. In fact, “swimmer’s calculus” is the term used to describe a condition of discolored front teeth experienced by frequent or competitive swimmers. If you log in several hours in the pool each week, this is a good reason to keep your lips closed as much as possible. Rinsing with (non-pool) water after you are done is a great idea too!

How Do You Know If Your Pool Water is Safe?

It is impossible to detect the pH of a pool simply by looking at it. Here are some ways you can be sure your swimming pool is “dental safe” for your kids.

  • Ask the lifeguard or local pool manager what the ideal pH guidelines are.
  • Take note of pool linings, railing and ladders. Signs of erosion probably means the water can eat away at your teeth too.
  • Buy and use your own pH strips to evaluate the pool water before jumping in.

At Green Dental of Alexandria, Dr. Hye Park wants to keep our patients safe all summer long – which includes giving you helpful tips to protect your teeth. In addition to chlorine water, be careful on slippery surfaces around the pool, as dental injuries are a major risk for young swimmers and tiny splashers.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Hye Park, Green Dental of Alexandria

Green Dental of Alexandria – Alexandria Dentist
1725 Duke St, Suite GR03
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: (703) 549-1725

Patient Reviews

Green Dental of Alexandria - Alexandria Dentist

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 179 reviews

Jennifer B.

I just had my first appointment at Green Dental and I couldn't be happier with their service. I tend to be nervous when going to the dentist, but all of the staff were very welcoming and nice. The exam chair massages your back as you're getting your cleaning and there's a television on the ceiling to distract you from dental work. The cleaning and evaluation was very gentle. Thanks, Green Dental!

Stephen J.

Top shelf dental care. Convenient location via METRO/King Street Station. Patient's dental chair features back massage capability along with TV viewing (CNN). Dr. Hye Park is very smooth. Dental experience beyond compare. I actually enjoy going to the dentist now.

Caryl M.

Once again, even the cleaning was uneventful. Love being able to look outside while I'm in the chair. Dr. Park has the most gentle & tiny hands ! Love this place and the staff.

Top Dentist Washingtonian 2019 - badgeTop Dentist Washingtonian 2023 - badgeBadge Alexandria Dentist Top Patient Rated 2024Advantage ProgIcons Gold Provider 2020American Academy Clear AlignersSMART Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique Certified DentistHye Y. Park, DMD Top Dentists 2019-2020