TEETH AND SPORT
When we think of the preparation of an athlete, we imagine intense training, strict diets and a focus on physical health. But there is one aspect that is often overlooked: oral health. Scientific studies show that dental problems, such as caries, gingivitis and malocclusion, can directly affect performance quality, recovery and even physical endurance.
The Role of Dental Occlusion
Your mouth is more important than you think. Correct dental occlusion is not just for eating or smiling: it is essential for maintaining postural balance and reducing the risk of muscular pain. Athletes with malocclusions or bruxism often report tension in the neck, back and temporomandibular joints. These problems can affect physical stability and reduce the ability to recover during rest.
(Khan et al., Nutrients, 2022)
The impact of oral health on performance
Non è solo l’occlusione a contare. La salute generale della bocca gioca un ruolo chiave per ogni atleta:
- Caries and periodontitis: untreated problems can cause systemic inflammation, which increases muscle fatigue and slows down recovery.
‘More than 36% of professional athletes reported that dental problems affected their daily activities and sports performance.’ (Schulze & Busse, Medicine, 2024) - Dehydration and salivary flow: intense physical activity and mouth breathing can reduce saliva, increasing the risk of dental caries and erosion.
- Sports drinks and sugars: frequent use of energy drinks and carbohydrate-rich snacks, common in athletes, can worsen oral health, leading to dental erosions and caries.
Practical solutions
Although the problems are real, there are simple and practical solutions to keep your oral health at the highest level:
- Regular check-ups: visits to the dentist at least twice a year to monitor occlusion and prevent major problems.
- Personalised hygiene: the use of high fluoride toothpastes and specific mouthwashes can reduce tooth wear and improve gum health.
- Sugar management: replacing sugary sports drinks with alternatives after training can make a difference.
- Customised Bite / Mouthguards: when needed, they protect teeth during sporting activity and improve jaw stability.
Why care for your mouth
“Oral health is an essential part of overall health and well-being, influencing not only quality of life, but also sports performance.
(Needleman et al., British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015)
Oral health is not a detail. It is a fundamental component for any athlete who wishes to excel. From preventing muscle pain through proper occlusion to reducing the risk of systemic inflammation, taking care of your smile means investing in your performance. Don’t let a neglected detail become your limitation!
We want to share with you the results of our patients undergoing treatment.