During hot and sunny days, no one can blame you for engaging in swimming practices after every two to three days. After all, swimming is one of the best ways of keeping the body temperature down. However, spending too much time in the pool is not a good idea if you mind about the health of your teeth. It has been proven that if the condition of the water is not up to standards, you can succumb to swimmer's calculus.

What Is Swimmer's Calculus?

Swimmer's calculus has no relation to mathematics calculus you studied in high school.  It simply refers to a condition that is characterized by formation of yellow or brown deposit (plaque) on teeth. The deposit or tartar is almost the same to the plaque that usually forms on teeth except that it is darker in color and that it mainly attacks the front teeth.

If you spend too much time in the swimming pool water, say six hours a day, there is no way you can leave the pool without tasting the pool water. Pool water has a higher pH than the saliva in the mouth, and so when it enters your mouth, it breaks down the saliva proteins to form the deposits. pH is a measure of alkalinity or acidity of a water soluble substance. If the pH is higher, it means the substance is alkaline, and when it is lower, it means the substance is acidic.

How Do You Know You Have Swimmer's Calculus?

The most obvious sign is the sight of dark deposits on your front teeth. If you can spot a brownish deposit, you definitely have swimmer's calculus. Pay special attention to your incisors as the deposit usually cements on the front teeth. It is impossible to remove swimmer's calculus on your own so you better go in for a professional treatment. A dentist will deep clean your teeth and remove the yellowish or brownish plaque.

How Can You Avoid Swimmer's Calculus?

To avoid swimmer's calculus, you need to take an interest in understanding your swimming pool. Ask the pool caretaker or manager about the pH of the water before you go in. The standard pH should range between 7.2 and 7.8. Water in this range is neutral. Also go to the pool with a bottle of fresh water. After every 45 minutes, swish the fresh water in your mouth for a minute.

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