Swimmer’s calculus is a nickname used to describe yellow or brown stains that develop on teeth after prolonged exposure to acidic chlorine ions in pool water. This is caused when calcium salts form small crystals on top of your teeth, permanently changing their appearance. Swimmers can minimize chances of getting swimmer’s calculus by practicing good oral hygiene before and after swimming.
Tooth Squeeze for Scuba Divers
Scuba diving can be a fun activity. But when you dive deeper, the water pressure increases, compressing the gases and tissues in your mouth. That can cause barodontalgia or “tooth squeeze,”: a condition from which thousands of divers suffer every year. If your teeth are old, have untreated cavities, or faulty dental work—like poorly fitted crowns—they’re more likely to feel this pain. So it’s important to make sure your teeth are ready for a scuba trip.
Diving Masks: One Size Fits…None?
A mouthpiece that fits can make a big difference. The diving industry has evolved to allow divers to enjoy the wonders of the ocean, but with all the development, there is no common standard that ensures each and every diver gets an ideal fit for his or her mouth. A common diving problem is that the so-called “one size fits all” mouthpieces don’t seem to fit anyone well, forcing divers to clench down on the mouthpiece to keep it in place. This puts a lot of strain on the jaws, potentially contributing to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). To anyone who dives multiple times a year, we recommend investing in a custom-fitted mouthpiece.