There’s no better way to beat the heat than with a relaxing dip in the pool. Whether you’re lounging with a cold drink, diving into backyard fun, or hosting a summer bash, poolside days are a staple of life in South Florida.
While you’re keeping cool, your teeth may be facing hidden risks you haven’t considered. At SP Smile, your trusted emergency dentist in Miami, we see a surprising number of dental injuries every summer, and many of them happen in or around pools. Fortunately, most are preventable. Here’s our top four pool safety tips that you need to know to keep your smile safe this summer.
1. Slippery Surfaces Lead to Sudden Damage
One minute, your kid is racing their cousin across the pool deck. The next? They’ve slipped, caught their chin, and chipped a front tooth. Wet, tiled surfaces are one of the most common culprits behind summertime dental emergencies. Cracked, chipped, or even knocked-out teeth can happen in an instant.
Pro Tip from Our Miami Emergency Dentist
Wear non-slip footwear, walk (don’t run!), and keep a towel nearby to dry off. If someone does suffer a dental injury, call our emergency dentist in Miami right away. A chipped tooth can be fixed, but acting fast is key.
2. Watch Those Pool Toys & Drinks
From hard plastic floats to glass bottles left poolside, there are plenty of hazards waiting to hit a tooth. Imagine visiting our emergency dentist in Miami after accidentally taking a float handle to the mouth or opening a bottle with their teeth (never a good idea!).
Pro Tip from Our Miami Emergency Dentist
Never use your teeth as tools. It may seem quick and convenient until it ends in a dental emergency.
3. Chlorine Can Erode Enamel
Here’s something many people don’t realize: prolonged exposure to chlorinated water can weaken your tooth enamel over time. If you’re swimming daily in a heavily treated pool, your teeth may be absorbing some of that chemical exposure. This condition, sometimes called “swimmer’s calculus,” causes enamel erosion and tooth discoloration, particularly in the front teeth.
One study found that athletes who spend a lot of time swimming (especially those doing laps for more than six hours a week) can end up with unusual yellowish-brown or dark stains on their teeth. Researchers believe this happens because frequent, extended exposure to pool water, along with the way it mixes with saliva in the mouth, may cause these stains to build up over time.
Pro Tip from Our Miami Emergency Dentist
Rinse your mouth with clean water after swimming, and stay on top of regular dental checkups. Not sure if your enamel is being affected? SP Smile can help evaluate and protect your teeth.
4. Keep Our Emergency Dentist in Miami on Speed Dial
Dental emergencies can be scary, but they don’t have to ruin your summer. Signs of a pool-related dental problem include:
- A knocked-out or loose tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
- Severe tooth or jaw pain
- Swelling in the gums or face
Pro Tip from Our Miami Emergency Dentist
Call SP Smile immediately. As your go-to emergency dentist in Miami, we’re here to provide fast, compassionate care (often same-day) so you can get back to enjoying the sunshine.
Fast, Friendly Emergency Care When You Need It Most
At SP Smile, we know accidents happen (even in paradise). That’s why we offer urgent dental care in Miami with flexible scheduling, modern technology, and a team that truly cares. Whether it’s a weekend pool mishap or unexpected pain that won’t wait, we’re just a call away.
Don’t wait until it gets worse. Contact SP Smile now to schedule an emergency visit. Your smile deserves to enjoy summer too. Stay cool, stay smart, and keep that smile protected all season long. Need help fast? Trust SP Smile, your emergency dentist in Miami.
