Can Pool Water Change the Color of Your Teeth?

Posted on 9/20/2016 by Fariba Mutschler

A mother swimming happily with her children in a pool.

Planning for a pool party? Learn how pool water could put you; and your family at risk for potential trauma and teeth staining!

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) swimmers who frequent public and private swimming pools are at a higher than normal risk of developing tooth stains and trauma.

The problematic part of swimming pools is the pH level - most swimming pools are kept at a pH level of 7.2-7.8. Normally, that pH range wouldn't be a problem.

The issue is that it can be difficult to keep a pool in the right pH range. Once the pH starts to climb above 7.8 the water becomes much more alkaline.

According to the AGD, when people spend more than six hours a week in a pool that has a pH over 7.8 there is a decent chance that the water in the pool can cause staining and discoloration of teeth. Higher pH level causes salivary proteins to break down and change in the mouth which can cause staining.

What can You do?

Want to keep swimming but don't like the stained teeth? We understand! Swimming is a great activity for kids and adults and we wouldn't want you to stop doing what you love.

In order to combat the effects of high pH on teeth it may be necessary to double the amount of visits to our office during the swimming season. So, instead of seeing us for an exam and cleaning every six months, come to see us once every three months.

If you notice dramatic staining it may be worthwhile to bring it to the attention of the pool curator. Simply bringing the issue up may help them in their efforts to keep the pool at a reasonable pH level.

Please contact us if you have any questions about pool waters effect on your oral health.

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