When we notice someone with discolored teeth, we usually assume it’s due to smoking, a high consumption of staining foods and drinks, or some other common reason. There’s another cause of stained teeth that doesn’t usually come to mind, though: swimmer’s calculus.
Swimmer’s calculus is defined as being hard, brown, tartar deposits that appear predominantly on the front teeth. Athlete swimmers submerged in swimming pools for over six hours a week expose their teeth to large amounts of chemically treated water. The pool water contains chemical additives that cause salivary proteins to break down quickly and form organic deposits on swimmers’ teeth.
If you are exposed to pool water on a continual basis, it’s essential to schedule more frequent, professional dental cleanings.
Come in and let us have a look at your discolored teeth, regardless of the reason for the discoloration. If, after a good cleaning, you’re still looking for a whiter, brighter appearance for your teeth, we will discuss your many tooth brightening options, from professional tooth whitening to veneers and porcelain crowns.
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Dr. Librada C. Yamat is a Family Dentist specializing in Cosmetic Dentistry. She has been practicing since 1992 in her Daly City office located at 187 Southgate Ave. (650) 991-2832. She is president of the MCU Dental Alumni Association and former president of the American Federation of Filipino Dental Practitioners.