Member Question - Is There Such A Thing Called Swimmers Teeth?

Members Question:

“I have a daughter that is on the University swimming team.  Her front teeth are becoming stained.  Her coach told her is was swimmers teeth.  Before I take her to the dentist and look like a complete fool, can you tell me if there is such a thing?”

Savon's Answer:

Yes, it's true.  Swimmers teeth is an actual condition also known as "swimmers calculus."

Mostly common in competitive swimmers, "swimmers teeth" refers to a dark yellow/brown coloring mainly on the front teeth.  This is actually made of deposits quite like the tartar or plaque everyone gets, but is darker and more difficult to remove.

Swimmers teeth is actually caused by the amount of time spent in the pool.  Pool water contains chemical additives that make the water have a higher pH than saliva.  This causes the proteins in saliva to break down causing dark stains on the teeth.  It is said that this condition is most common in people who spend more than six hours a week in the pool.

The good news is that this is not permanent, just unattractive.  Regular brushing won't help, but your dentist can completely remove it.  Proper oral hygiene and regular preventative treatments will help keep the problem under control.


(The content of this blog was originally posted in our May 2016 newsletter in the article "Here's Your Answer")