Rapid general dental erosion by gas-chlorinated swimming pool water. Review of the literature and case report

Several reports indicate an increased prevalence of dental erosion among in tensive swimmers due to low pH gas-chlorinated pool water. Contrary to othe r extrinsic factors which induce erosion located on the facial aspect, low pH pool water results in general dental erosion. Additionally, a case repor t is presented which describes the very rapid occurrence of excessive gener al dental erosion of a competitive swimmer due to gas-chlorinated pool wate r within 27 days. The observation of several authors as well as this case u nderscore the significance of a regular pH monitoring of chlorinated swimmi ng pool water. The high incidence indicates that dental erosion due to freq uent swimming is of considerable diagnostic and therapeutic significance. F urthermore; it is recommended to fluoridate the teeth of intensive swimmers regularly to prevent dental erosion.