Summer Dental Health? Get into the Swim of It!

On a sizzling hot day, there’s not much that makes us happier than heading to the water for a quick swim, some gentle laps, or even a rousing game of water polo. And this being a sizzling hot dental blog, we are happy to offer some tips on how to make your summer swim good for your dental health as well as your mental health!

  • Mouthguards

You might use your mouthguard all the time—for biking, or basketball, or skiing. But in the pool? Absolutely! Anyone who has played water polo knows what a physical workout it is. Elbows! Hard tosses! Collisions! And it’s not just pool sports. Water-skiing on the lake, surfing in the ocean—anywhere humans and solid objects are involved, tooth and jaw injuries are possible. Don’t spend valuable summer hours tending to a cracked or broken tooth as a result of sports accidents.

And, unlikely though it seems, even hanging by the pool can be hazardous to your smile. Hard concrete edges wait to greet surfacing divers. Slippery cement and tiles surrounding the pool are the downfall of many a swimmer running to jump back into the water. Be aware of possible dental dangers, and use a mouthguard as a great proactive way to avoid them.

  • Swimming Pools & Chlorine

Ah, the smell of chlorine! We all want to know that swimming pools are as clean as they can be, and one method of keeping them that way is with the addition of antimicrobials to the water. But too much exposure to chemicals can cause enamel erosion, or even a condition called “swimmer’s calculus.” Swimmer’s calculus is recognized by a hard, brownish, tartar deposit that appears on the front teeth of swimmers who spent a lot of hours in the pool. It’s a cosmetic problem, but one that’s difficult to get rid of without a professional cleaning. If you’re a competitive swimmer, or simply someone who spends many hours a week in treated water, give us a call if you notice hard-to-remove discoloration or tooth sensitivity.

  • Retainers

Different people have different opinions on whether or not your retainer should be exposed to the chlorine in pool water. (Or the salt in saltwater or the bacteria in lake water.) Ask us for ours! But you’re best off leaving it in your bag or locker, anyway, because retainers can be easily lost in the water. They might be able to survive a swimming pool, but a lake or ocean rescue is very unlikely. Just remember to put your retainer in a case, in a safe spot, and replace it when you’re out of the water for the day.

Enjoy your time on the water, and don’t forget to schedule an exam with the doctor and a professional cleaning if you haven’t been in the office for a while. If you do have a dental problem or an accident, give our Cohasset, Massachusetts office a call immediately. We want to make sure you dive in to summer fun with a healthy, beautiful smile!

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:00 am-8:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

7:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

What Our Clients Say About Us

  • "I went to Cohasset Dental because my tooth was infected, they saw me right away! Since then they are now my primary dentist. They are extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and they make the whole dental environment less intimidating. I think finding the right dentist is like finding the right mechanic -- I'm happy to say that I have found my dentist. I highly recommend them."
    Heather Rose Marshall
  • "It's really nice to be able to say "I love my dentist!" -- the entire experience at Cohasset Dental is always friendly, professional & accommodating. The front office staff, the hygienists, Dr. Chenette himself -- a truly exceptional team!"
    Jenni Denegri
  • "I am a very timid dental patient. Before going to Cohasset Dental this year, it had been almost 10 years since I had stepped foot in a dentist office. Needless to say, I was very nervous at my appointment.
    Each staff member at the office was so welcoming and kind, I could not help but smile. The woman who cleaned my teeth was very understanding of my fear and worked with me to have a positive experience.
    Unfortunately for me, my cleaning revealed that I needed my old silver fillings replaced. I was excited. But the filling replacements were nothing like what remember. It was quick, painless, and semi-enjoyable (tvs are available for your watching pleasure).
    I would definitely recommend going to Cohasset Dental. And if you are a scared like me, definitely go. They will put your fears at bay and give you an enjoyable memory."
    Karina Tuting
  • "Cohasset Dental is outstanding in many ways; one, its people who are kind, accommodating, and highly professional; two, its cleanliness and caution, especially during covid times; three, Dr. Chenette is a master dentist, but kind and gentle, as well. Highly professional team that respects individual needs. Thank you all for your compassionate service!"
    kathie lee
  • "This was my first visit to Cohasset Dental and it was one of the best dentist visits I've ever had. The reception staff is welcoming and helpful. Brynn did a great job taking my x-rays. Dr. Chenette has a wonderful chair side manner. He even cleaned my teeth instead of the hygienist. He did a good job explaining how my teeth grinding effects my jaw and muscles and how he can help me with the problem. A few minor negatives not worth mentioning. I highly recommend this practice."
    Charlotte Keefer
  • "Having recently moved to the area, I was in search of a new dental practice. Looking no further. This office is great! The entire staff is very professional, helpful and courteous from the moment you walk in."
    Bruce Gehrlein
  • "I became a patient on Wednesday,had some pain overnight and was sitting in the chair Thursday morning at 9am,! Thank you all. Greeted at the door by staff and brought right in to see Dr. Chenette. Great sense of humor which helped me relax on the spot. Took his time to explain in detail what was going on and how to treat the problem. Professional staff,good looking office and felt much better leaving than when I came in. Again, many thanks."
    Francis DiStasi
  • "Everyone at Cohasset Dental makes your visit a pleasant one! They are all so kind and professional. I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!"
    Jennifer Burke
  • "Dr. Chenette and the staff at Cohasset Dental is amazing! During any procedure they are always checking in to make sure you are doing ok. I've had a cleaning, crown and filling and everything is great! Can't recommend them enough."
    Kendall Salluce
  • "I am a physician myself and this is my first visit to the clinic after being referred by my sister who has used them for many years with her family.

    I cannot say enough good things about the quality of the care provided by Dr. Chenette, Chelsie the dental hygienist, as well as the remainder of the staff, including the office manager, Leslie.

    Everyone was very warm and welcoming and very knowledgeable, with outstanding communication skills. One probably does not see this adjective describing an appointment with the dentist very often, but I would truly say it was a very pleasant experience and I felt I had received great care."
    Francis Duggan
  • "Dr. Chenette and his entire team always go above and beyond with their comfort and care. From the front desk to the hygienists, the entire staff are friendly and efficient. I have honestly never seen a better run practice and my teeth have never been as healthy as they are now. Competency from start to finish every visit."
    Kati Barclay
  • "As someone who is very anxious about the dentist, this place could not be more accommodating/welcoming. Staff go above and beyond, appointments are extremely easy to get, and payments are very transparent as well. Highly recommend!!"
    Hannah O'Gara