Swimming is a great sport that is full of technique, dedication and hard work. As you’re practicing and competing this season, it’s important to take good care of your smile. This is recommended because there are certain swim behaviors that can harm the teeth and smile. Our dentists, Dr. Engelhardt, Dr. Beseda, and Dr. Nelson encourage you to keep your smile and oral health in tip-top shape by avoiding those behaviors, which are:
-Drinking sports drinks: Whether you believe it or not, sports drinks can cause cavities. This is because they are loaded with sugar. It’s best to avoid drinking sports drinks and drink water instead. If you absolutely have to drink a sports drink, make sure to chase it with water and clean your smile as soon as possible.
-Not protecting your teeth from the chlorine: Chlorine can affect your smile in many ways. It can cause tooth sensitivity, tooth discoloration and tooth transparency. It’s important to protect your teeth while you swim by keeping your mouth closed under water and by using fluoride regularly. Fluoride can help strengthen your tooth enamel.
-Not keeping up on oral hygiene: Swim practices and meets can be tiring, but you should never be too tired to clean and care for your teeth and gums. So, make sure to brush twice daily, floss daily and rinse daily.
For more information and details about how to have a healthy smile during swimming season in Fort Collins, Colorado, please contact Englehardt & Nelson Family Dentistry today at 970-484-4890. Our dental team will be happy to give you the answers and help you need, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.