Does Swimming Hurt Oral Health?

By Michael Ferrari On Aug 13, 2019 0

Swimming is a popular sport in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, swimming is the fifth most popular form of exercise, with what percentage of Americans participating?

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A. 3.7%

B. 7.3%

C. 37%

D. 73%

Correct! Wrong!

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 how many days of exposure?

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A. 2 days

B. 7 days

C. 27 days

D. 72 days

Correct! Wrong!

Teeth stain is a problem for swimmers because pool water contains chemical additives—such as antimicrobials—that give the water a higher pH than saliva.

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True

False

Correct! Wrong!

Swimmers with predisposing oral pathology— such as acute or chronic periapical infection, caries, deep or failing restorations, or residual dental cysts, and those with sinusitis or recent history of surgery—are at risk of barodontalgia, which is characterized by dental pain.

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True

False

Correct! Wrong!

Antimicrobials found in pool water have a much lower pH than saliva, which causes the proteins to break down and discolored deposits to form.

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True

False

Correct! Wrong!

If a swimming pool is kept at the optimal pH of 7.4, tooth structure will not demineralize.

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True

False

Correct! Wrong!

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends keeping the chlorine concentrations between which levels?

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A. 1.0 ppm and 2.0 ppm

B. 1.0 ppm and 3.0 ppm

C. 1.0 ppm and 4.0 ppm

D. 1.0 ppm and 5.0 ppm

Correct! Wrong!

Brushing the teeth immediately after swimming can be harmful, as the enamel surface is softened by the acidic chlorine and may be more easily brushed away.