Used to disinfect swimming pools and drinking water, chlorine is virtually unavoidable in the modern world. While this antimicrobial agent doesn’t pose any significant risks, dentists advise patients against excessive exposure for optimal enamel health. Whether you drink lots of tap water or spend your free time in a pool or hot tub, here’s what you should know about chlorine’s impact on oral health. 

How Chlorine Affects Your Enamel 

Too much chlorine can contribute to the erosion of your enamel. While swimming in a properly chlorinated pool on occasion or drinking tap water regularly won’t harm your teeth, excessive exposure to chlorine can.

The water in a well-maintained pool with normal chlorine levels should have a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Meanwhile, the pH of chlorinated tap water should be between 6.5 and 8.5.

If the pH drops below 7 due to excessive chlorine, excessive exposure could start eroding the enamel. This could lead to tooth sensitivity, dark stains, chips, cracks, and decay. 

How to Protect Your Teeth

Protecting your smile from chlorine-related damage is fairly easy. If you have a pool or hot tub, use pH strips to monitor the chlorine levels closely, and make sure the pH doesn’t drop below 7.2.

You can also bring pH strips to public pools and hot tubs to test the water before swimming. If you forget to bring them, inspect the railings, ladders, and pool lining closely. As long as they’re not deteriorating, it’s reasonable to assume the pH levels are normal and the pool is properly maintained. 

If you drink tap water, check its pH as well. If it falls outside the recommended range, contact your water provider and consider purchasing a filter for your faucet in the meantime.

If you’re concerned about enamel erosion, turn to Four Corners Dental Group for a thorough cleaning and exam. With offices in Anchorage and Wasilla, AK, this full-service practice is equipped to provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages. Their friendly dentists prioritize preventive care, but they also offer restorative and cosmetic procedures. To learn more about their services, visit their website. To make an appointment with a friendly dentist, call (907) 258-3384.