Importance of Athlete’s Oral Health

Professional athletes are generally considered to be some of the healthiest people around, but there is one area of their health that usually needs serious improvement. A recent study found that athletes were at a higher risk of oral health problems due to diets high in carbohydrates and the consumption of acidic, sugary sports drinks. These factors contribute to a higher rate of enamel erosion and tooth decay in athletes than in the general population.

A survey was conducted at the 2012 London Olympic Games, and 18% of athletes said that their oral health had a negative effect on their overall performance. 46.5% of athletes surveyed said that they had not seen a dentist in over a year. These numbers show that poor dental health can impact how athletes perform, and it can make the difference in whether you go home with the gold or nothing at all. With that being said, there are some simple tips athletes can utilize to improve their oral health.

The easiest thing they can do is to schedule a dental exam once every six months with their dentist. If they are particular prone to oral health problems, they may want to consider seeing a dentist more often. Athletes should also look into practicing better brushing techniques and using toothpaste with a higher concentration of fluoride. And an athlete should always use a mouth guard while he or she is training or competing so that their teeth and gums are protected from any outside forces.

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