white spot lesions

PROLONGED POOL WATER EXPOSURE can affect your teeth. One study showed that 39% of swim team members suffered from dental erosion, dental lesions, pits or white spots, on their front teeth. These front tooth spots were found in only 12% of recreational swimmers, while only 3% on non-swimmers had anterior tooth damage.

Avid Swimmers: Protect Your Smile from Pool Water!

If you're on a swim team, play water polo, or swim daily, be aware of the affects of pool water on your teeth. To make your pool water ideal for the protection of your teeth, make sure that your pool water is not only pH neutral but also that it is saturated with hydroxyapatite components.

Pool Water Isn't The Only Risk Factor

Factors that increase the risk of dental erosion include the duration of swimming and the amount of training in pool water. Other extrinsic factors include acidic foods, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, low pH medications, and occupational exposure to acidic environments. Diseases associated with vomiting and other eating disorders that lower pH in the mouth can also cause dental erosion.

Dental decalcification and erosion caused by pool water may also make it more difficult for your braces to stick on your teeth.

3 Simple Ideas To Protect Your Teeth

If you are a competitive swimmer and you want to protect your teeth from the affects of pool water, here are things you can do:

1. Drink fluoridated water often and swish your mouth with water, especially right after you work out.
2. Rinse with a fluoridated mouthwash such as Crest ProHealth Anti-cavity Rinse.
3. See your dentist regularly for your 6 month check-ups.

If you are an occasional swimmer in pools on vacation or in hotels, chances are you will not be affected by pool water erosion of your teeth. Please pass this information on to others you may know to spend hours working out in the pool.

If you have additional questions about your teeth, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California, www.clubbraces.com, or call us at (925) 757-9000.

We care about you and your beautiful smile. Thank you for the trust you place in our practice and for choosing us as your orthodontist.

IT’S IMPORTANT TO EAT RIGHT to maintain the oral health of your teeth and gums. This is especially true during braces.

Eating Right Helps Fend Off Plaque, Gingivitis, And Periodontal Disease

A healthy diet will maintain healthy tooth enamel and prevent the formation of plaque, white spot lesions, and tooth decay. Eating the right nutritious foods will produce strong and healthy gums, and will help prevent gingivitis and gum disease.

Foods to avoid to maintain tooth and gum health include acidic drinks with lemon, soda, and candy. These can damage and erode your enamel making you prone to tooth sensitivity, decalcification, and cavities. Potato chips and cookies can contribute to tooth plaque. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice per day to prevent the unwanted dental effects of these and other foods.

“Super-Smile” Foods That May Surprise You

Healthy and nutritious foods for teeth and gums include those rich in calcium and vitamin D. Here is a list of foods considered extremely healthy for your teeth:

1. Salmon- increases calcium absorption
2. Broccoli- reduces acid erosion
3. Onions- reduce bacteria
4. Celery- massages gums, cleans teeth, produces saliva
5. Apples- prevent plaque
6. Kiwi- vitamin C rich to increase collegen for gums
7. Paprika- high concentration of Vitamin C for gums
8. Jello- collagen for healthy gums
9. Carrots- prevent plaque
10. Quinoa- contains vitamins and minerals
11. Shiitaki Mushrooms- prevent mouth bacterial growth
12. Sesame Seeds- clear plaque and supply calcium
13. Milk- rich in calcium and vitamin D for strong bones and teeth

Check Out These Awesome Recipe Books

For healthy and brace friendly recipes, check out the cook books by Pamela Waterman.

If you would like to learn more about healthy and nutritious foods and recipes you can enjoy during braces, visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, CA. You can find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000.

We wish you happy and healthy cooking and delicious foods during your braces. Eat right for a gorgeous smile.