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| While elite athletes excel in physical health, their oral health is often overlooked, despite its impact on performance and wellness. Poor oral health can negatively affect an athlete’s performance, recovery, and quality of life. Understanding the link between oral health, sports diets, training regimens, and hygiene is crucial for healthcare professionals. |
| The Prevalence of Dental Issues in Athletes |
| Dental caries, erosion, and periodontal disease are common among athletes, with 15–89% affected globally. Elite athletes, especially in endurance sports, report high DMFT scores. In the 2012 London Olympics, 55% of athletes had dental caries, and half of Dutch athletes in the 2016 Rio Olympics required dental treatment. |
| The Impact of Sports-Specific Diets on Oral Health |
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Athlete’s diets high in sugars, carbs, and acidic drinks lead to enamel erosion and cavities. |
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Frequent sugar intake lowers salivary pH, promoting bacterial growth and enamel damage. |
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Carbohydrates contribute to dental caries. |
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Dehydration reduces salivation, increasing caries risk. |
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Dairy products like cheese and milk help remineralize enamel and protect against cavities. Timing and combinations with sugary foods are key. |
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| Periodontal Disease: A Hidden Threat to Athletic Performance |
| Periodontal disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis, affects 58–77% and up to 15% of athletes, respectively. Competitive athletes are at higher risk due to stress, mouth breathing, and dry mouths. Periodontal inflammation can impair performance by contributing to systemic inflammation, impacting overall health and energy. High-intensity training increases oxidative stress, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damage oral tissues, while elevated glucocorticoid levels in stressed athletes suppress immune function, making them more susceptible to periodontal disease. |
| Antioxidants, Probiotics, and Oral Health in Athletes |
| Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, particularly vitamins A, C, D, and E, support oral health by reducing oxidative stress and aiding tissue repair. Polyphenols in foods like green tea can reduce gum inflammation. Probiotics and prebiotics improve gut and oral microbiota, potentially reducing the risk of dental caries and periodontitis by enhancing immune defense and gum circulation. |
| Effective Oral Hygiene Practices for Athletes |
| To maintain optimal oral health, athletes should adopt proactive hygiene practices. Frequent consumption of acidic sports drinks and sugary snacks can harm oral health, so athletes should rinse with water, brush with fluoride toothpaste, and use anti-erosion mouthwashes. Implementing a "two-bottle strategy" by drinking plain water after sugary or acidic beverages helps neutralize acidity and protect enamel. |
| The Role of Healthcare Professionals |
| Healthcare professionals, especially in sports medicine and dentistry, should emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups, bi-annual cleanings, and personalized care plans for athletes. Athletes need to understand the link between diet, training, and oral health to prevent long-term dental issues that could affect performance. |
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| GGI-CO-A1-AQS-300032384-ELC-L24-0923 |
| Reference: |
| Schulze A, Busse M. Sports Diet and Oral Health in Athletes: A Comprehensive Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 Feb 13;60(2):319. doi: 10.3390/medicina60020319. PMID: 38399605; PMCID: PMC10890155. |
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