Swimming with traditional orthodontic appliances, such as metal or ceramic brackets and wires, is safe and completely fine to do. Modern orthodontics are designed to withstand the daily environment of the mouth, including frequent exposure to various liquids, making aquatic activities a non-issue. Concerns patients often have regarding water exposure are based on myths about material degradation, but these fears are unfounded with today’s technology. Individuals undergoing treatment should feel confident continuing their swimming routines and water recreation.
General Safety and Water Exposure
A common misunderstanding is that the metal components of braces will corrode or rust when submerged in pool or ocean water. This concern is negated by the composition of the hardware; metal braces are constructed from high-grade, rust-resistant materials, typically a titanium alloy or stainless steel alloy. These materials are engineered to be biocompatible and impervious to the chemical environments found in saliva, food, and drink, which is far more constant than occasional pool exposure.
Chlorinated pool water does not possess the capacity to degrade the metal brackets or the specialized adhesive that secures them to the teeth. The bonding agent used to attach the brackets is designed to be waterproof and durable for the entire treatment period. Similarly, swimming in the ocean presents no threat to the appliance, as saltwater does not negatively impact the alloy or the dental cement. Competitive swimmers often practice for hours daily without any adverse effects on their orthodontic appliances.
Protecting Against Physical Impact
While the water itself poses no threat, the greatest risk to braces during swimming relates to physical trauma or impact. Activities that carry a risk of collision, such as water polo, pool volleyball, or rough play, can result in a direct blow to the mouth. An impact can cause brackets to shear off the tooth surface or wires to bend and potentially poke the soft tissues of the mouth.
This type of injury can lead to lacerations on the lips, cheeks, or gums from the broken hardware edges. To mitigate this risk, a specialized orthodontic mouthguard should be worn during any activity involving potential contact or high velocity. These guards are specifically designed to fit over the brackets and wires, providing cushioning. They protect the braces from damage and shield the soft tissues from being cut by the metal following an impact.
Essential Post-Swim Maintenance
After exiting the water, a simple maintenance routine is recommended to ensure optimal oral hygiene. The first action should be to rinse the mouth thoroughly with clean, fresh water. This step helps to flush away any residual chlorine, salt, or other particulates that may have accumulated around the brackets and wires.
Following the initial rinse, a meticulous brushing and flossing routine is necessary to remove any trapped debris or chemical residue from the hard-to-reach areas of the appliance. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help re-mineralize any tooth surfaces that may have been exposed to pool chemicals. Finally, a quick visual inspection of the mouth should be performed, particularly after active swimming, to confirm that no wires are loose and no brackets have become detached from the tooth surface.