The Effect of Pool Water on Enamel Erosion and Dental Health

This study investigates the effect of pool water chemistry on tooth enamel. Enamel, primarily composed of hydroxyapatite, is highly durable yet vulnerable to erosion in acidic or chemically imbalanced environments. Among environmental exposures, swimming pool water presents a potential risk due to chlorine-based disinfectants, such as sodium hypochlorite, which can alter water pH and accelerate calcium loss. To model enamel exposure, chicken thigh bones were used as analogs because of their high hydroxyapatite content. Bones were immersed in different water conditions: distilled water (control), tap water, water from Gilmour Academys pool, and chlorine solutions at 3 ppm and 10 ppm to simulate varying pool environments. Over a 48-hour period, mass changes were recorded to assess calcium loss. Results showed that pool water caused the greatest mass loss (6.67%), while the 3 ppm chlorine solution caused the least (3.85%). The findings suggest that pH plays a more significant role in mineral dissolution than chlorine concentration alone. These results highlight the importance of maintaining balanced pool water chemistry, particularly pH control, to minimize potential enamel erosion and protect dental health.