I took my 8 year old to the dentist today for a check-up. One of our concerns was the brown discoloration on her two front teeth. The first question the dentist asked was "Is she a tea drinker?" (No). The second question stunned me, "Is she a swimmer?"
Apparently a few of his swim team patients over the years have experienced discoloration. It's not permanent (he was able to scrap her's off). He didn't explain the chemical reaction taking place.
I have never heard of this before, so I thought I'd put it up here. Have any of you had this experience either with yourselves or your kids? And can anyone explain what the chlorine/dental connection is or could be?
:coffee:
My father is a dentist and he says the ph of the pool causes staining. If the pool is too acidic then it causes your teeth to yellow. But it's a superficial stain so it should polish right off when you go for a cleaning.
If the pool is too acidic it can also mottle your teeth - the enamel can get hypocalcified and it can change the surface of your teeth. Bottom line, a little yellowing from the pool is ok, but if you are getting major stains or mottling, talk to the pool manager because the ph is out of balance.
My father is a dentist and he says the ph of the pool causes staining. If the pool is too acidic then it causes your teeth to yellow. But it's a superficial stain so it should polish right off when you go for a cleaning.
If the pool is too acidic it can also mottle your teeth - the enamel can get hypocalcified and it can change the surface of your teeth. Bottom line, a little yellowing from the pool is ok, but if you are getting major stains or mottling, talk to the pool manager because the ph is out of balance.
