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 intensive swimmers due to low pH gas-chlorinated pool water. Contrary to other extrinsic factors which induce erosion located on the facial aspect, low pH pool water results in general dental erosion. Additionally, a case report is presented which describes the very rapid occurrence of excessive general dental erosion of a competitive swimmer due to gas-chlorinated pool water within 27 days. The observation of several authors as well as this case underscore the significance of a regular pH monitoring of chlorinated swimming pool water. The high incidence indicates that dental erosion due to frequent swimming is of considerable diagnostic and therapeutic significance. Furthermore, it is recommended to fluoridate the teeth of intensive swimmers regularly to prevent dental erosion.