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:
Parents
Former Member
My dentist pointed it out from a very young age. He told me to brush my teeth BEFORE swimming because the chlorine sticks to the enamel to make the stain. But who has time for that. I switched to an electric toothbrush and it made a huge difference. Then in college when I started drinking a lot of soda/coffee i switched to supersmile toothpaste - or when I got cheap - arm and hammer - the baking soda really helps. I have definately noticed a stickiness in my mouth and teeth after swimming sometimes, so I often brush after swimming also, just because it is annoying.
My dentist pointed it out from a very young age. He told me to brush my teeth BEFORE swimming because the chlorine sticks to the enamel to make the stain. But who has time for that. I switched to an electric toothbrush and it made a huge difference. Then in college when I started drinking a lot of soda/coffee i switched to supersmile toothpaste - or when I got cheap - arm and hammer - the baking soda really helps. I have definately noticed a stickiness in my mouth and teeth after swimming sometimes, so I often brush after swimming also, just because it is annoying.
