Swimming in the pool that contains chlorine does not only increase the risk of children developing asthma and allergies. Recently, researchers discovered a pool of water containing chlorine can also cause tooth decay.
The use of disinfectants such as chlorine can be used to kill various pathogenic bacteria in the water. But if the compound is mixed with other organic materials such as urine and sweat, the chlorine can release a mixture of products that can irritate the eyes, skin and upper airways.
Recent findings researched by Dr. Leila Jahangiri from New York University College of Dentistry's Department of Prosthodontics, found that levels of chlorine and high pH limit could affect the occurrence of rapid and permanent erosion and enamel (outer layer) one's teeth.
Dr. Leila's case found this occurs in men aged 52 years who have problems are very sensitive teeth, tooth-colored yellow and the dark because of the rapid loss of enamel for 5 months. Loss of tooth enamel can indeed be triggered by medical illness such as bulimia or acid reflux, but in middle-aged men are the triggers are activities that do swimming every day for 90 minutes.
In addition to dental problems that are very sensitive because of eroded tooth enamel, men also have problems of skin disorders. After conducting the examination continues menenerus finally found the acidity of a swimming pool becomes the trigger man dental decay.
The findings of this case, according to Dr. Leila does not mean people should not swim but special attention should be the manager or owner of the pool to monitor the routine use of chlorine in a safe and limit the pool water pH level balanced.
"I do not want to give a warning to swim, but there needs to be awareness and prevention of the pool manager for the public not to panic," said Dr. Leila as quoted by healthzone.ca, Sunday (05/29/2011).
According to Dr Leila, a swimming pool should have a neutral pH level between 7.2 to 7.8. While the use of chlorine should be used so as not to be a pollutant according to the American Chemistry Council, between 2.0 to 4.0 ppm (parts per million) and need not be below 1.0 ppm.
"PH balance in swimming pools is very easy to lose, and indeed maintenance of swimming pools is not as easy as people think, but still maintaining a very important element to keep it," said Dr. Leila.
He warned that parents be aware if the children complain of hot skin, sore skin, sore eyes or teeth feel very clean after swimming. Two of the complaints experienced has shown chlorine and pH in the swimming pool was too high.
If eye irritation can be reduced by wearing swimming goggles, the complaint and color sensitive teeth damaged by water swimming pools must be performed by a dentist to do veneers (coated) teeth with porcelain.
The important thing to consider in maintaining a swimming pool is to maintain the pH value correctly, do the cleaning or filters regularly, to ensure water circulation remains berajaln and maintaining a threshold value of chlorine and other organic materials.
Meanwhile, how to prevent contracting the disease from swimming pools can be made:
1. Rinse yourself with water and antiseptic soap before and after the swim
2. Do not swim if you have diarrhea or a gastrointestinal infection several days earlier
3. Using a tight bathing suit stuck to the body should not loose
4. Always try to urinate in the toilet
5. Make a habit of washing hands with soap and running water.