Surfer’s Teeth Problems: Dental Care Tips Every Ocean Lover Should Know
If you love the ocean—whether you’re paddling out to surf or swimming in saltwater—your teeth face unique challenges. Constant exposure to seawater, sun, and physical impact can lead to dental issues like tartar buildup, dry mouth, or even chipped teeth.
Here are some smart dental care tips for surfers and swimmers to keep your smile healthy while enjoying the waves.
1. Rinse With Fresh Water After Every Swim
Saltwater can dry out your mouth and leave bacteria on your teeth. A quick rinse with fresh water after ocean swimming or surfing helps prevent irritation and keeps your oral health in check.
2. Watch Out for “Surfer’s Calculus”
One of the most common dental problems for surfers is tartar buildup, known as surfer’s calculus. Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and professional dental cleanings are essential to avoid this yellowish coating.
3. Stay Hydrated
Long surf sessions in the sun can cause dehydration and reduce saliva flow, which protects your teeth from decay. Keep a water bottle handy and sip regularly to protect against saltwater-related dry mouth.
4. Wear a Surf Mouthguard
Surfboards, wipeouts, and accidental collisions can lead to broken or chipped teeth. A custom mouthguard for surfers offers simple but effective protection during high-impact waves.
5. Protect Your Lips from UV Damage
Don’t forget your smile includes your lips. Use a lip balm with SPF to prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage.
6. Keep Up With Regular Dental Checkups
Routine dental visits are vital for swimmers and surfers’ oral health. Professional cleanings remove tartar buildup from saltwater exposure and help catch early signs of enamel wear or gum irritation.
Ocean sports are amazing for fitness and fun, but they do put your teeth at risk. By following these oral health tips for surfers and sea swimmers, you can enjoy the waves while keeping your smile strong.
At Schwimmer Dental in New Jersey, we care for everyone from athletes to families. Whether you need dental implants, veneers, broken tooth repair, or routine dental checkups, our team is here to protect your smile—on and off the surfboard.
FAQs
What is surfer’s calculus and how can I prevent it?
It’s tartar buildup caused by frequent saltwater exposure. The best prevention is daily brushing, fluoride toothpaste, and regular cleanings.
Does swimming in the ocean harm teeth?
Saltwater doesn’t directly damage teeth but can cause dry mouth, tartar buildup, and increase risk of gum irritation if you don’t rinse afterward.
. Should surfers and swimmers see the dentist more often?
Yes. Because of extra exposure to saltwater and sun, professional dental checkups every 6 months are especially important for surfers and swimmers.
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4836916/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8206890/
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-023-05367-7
