June 17, 2022

Yellow Chlorine Stains: How to Remove Them

Summer has here, and the rising temperatures make a leisurely swim in the pool all the more appealing. What you may not realize is that immersing yourself in chlorine water can harm your teeth. You may have observed that after swimming in chlorinated water, your teeth feel sensitive and have a yellowish hue, whether you swim to keep healthy or just to beat the heat. While chlorine is used to eliminate hazardous germs in water, too much chlorine results in an acidic environment.

What Effect Does Acid Have on Teeth?

Plaque is formed when bacteria in your mouth combine with sugars and acids found in foods every time you drink or eat. If left to its own devices, this buildup can lead to cavities and gum disease. Acid, such as the acid found in chlorinated water, is particularly dangerous because it can dissolve the dental enamel, the strong white layer that surrounds your teeth. The acidity of a substance is measured on a pH scale, and anything with a pH lower than six can cause irreversible damage to your tooth enamel. Because pool water that has been over chlorinated often has a pH level below six, your teeth, as well as your children’s teeth, are constantly bombarded every time you and your family go for a swim.

Chlorine Stains on Teeth; Swimmers Calculus

Chlorine is a disinfectant that is used in drinking water and swimming pools all throughout the country to eliminate hazardous microorganisms. While the chlorine in tap water is insufficient to cause dental problems, swimming laps or bathing in a Jacuzzi exposes you to levels of chlorinated water that might damage your tooth enamel. Patients should be concerned if pool water leaks into their mouths during their leisurely swim time, according to dental professionals. In reality, research investigations have found a growing link between improperly chlorinated pools and tooth damage, with a specific focus on pool water with a pH below 7. Your teeth will get yellowed and discolored as the enamel on your teeth begins to break down, and the edges of your teeth may become translucent. As the enamel deteriorates, you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold liquids or foods.

Teeth Guards for Swimming

How do you know when it’s okay to go swimming? Next time you visit your neighborhood pool or go on vacation, have a peek around. Pay close attention to the rails, pool liners, and ladders in particular. Overly chlorinated water will begin to deteriorate these surfaces, resulting in visible damage. Consider taking a break and doing something else if the water is doing the same thing on the surface of your teeth. Pool pH strips can also be purchased at your local pool supply store, allowing you to test the water before entering. The optimal chlorine level for pool water, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is between 7.2 and 7.8. If you own your house, you should test the pH balance of your pool on a weekly basis or contact a professional to ensure that your water is kept at optimal levels during the summer months. Brush with a soft bristles toothpaste to prevent damage, and make sure you and your family have regular examinations and cleanings.