The close tie between oral health and athletic performance: Did you know?
When we think about what makes a great athlete, we often consider physical strength, agility, endurance, and mental toughness. However, one crucial aspect that is frequently overlooked is oral health. The state of an athlete’s teeth and gums can significantly impact their performance and overall well-being. Here’s why maintaining good oral hygiene is not just vital but also a potential avenue for enhancing athletic performance.
Preventing systemic infections
The mouth is a gateway to the body, and poor oral health can lead to systemic infections that may affect an athlete’s performance. Gum disease and tooth decay can introduce harmful bacteria into the bloodstream, leading to infections that can impact the heart, lungs, and other vital organs. Such infections can result in illness and prolonged recovery times, sidelining athletes from training and competition.1
Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is a common issue for athletes because of both intense physical activity and injuries. Poor oral health can exacerbate Inflammation throughout the body. Conditions such as periodontal disease cause chronic Inflammation in the mouth, which can spread to other parts of the body, aggravating existing injuries and impairing recovery. Understanding this link can help athletes take proactive steps to reduce inflammation.
According to Jukka Meurman, professor emeritus at the University of Helsinki, a low-grade inflammation caused by Inflamed gums or periodontal disease affects how the body’s immune system reacts to various diseases. Among the consequences include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and even cancer. Links have also been found between poor oral health and depression.
Improving nutrition and energy levels
Good oral health is essential for proper nutrition. Athletes must consume a balanced diet of vitamins and minerals to perform at their best. Dental problems such as tooth pain, sensitivity, or missing teeth can make eating a wide variety of foods difficult, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Poor nutrition can result in lower energy levels, reduced endurance, and slower recovery times.
For instance, dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen tooth enamel.2 Meanwhile, green tea contains antioxidants called catechins that can help reduce Inflammation in the mouth and fight bacteria.3
Enhancing focus and concentration
Pain and discomfort from dental issues can be a significant distraction. Maintaining focus and concentration during training and competition are crucial for athletes. Dental pain can lead to poor sleep quality, stress, and anxiety, all of which can negatively affect an athlete’s mental state and performance.4
Boosting confidence and morale
A healthy, bright smile can boost an athlete’s confidence on and off the field. Confidence plays a critical role in performance, influencing one’s mindset and determination. Conversely, dental issues can cause self-consciousness and reduce an athlete’s willingness to engage fully in social and team activities, impacting team cohesion and personal motivation.
Preventing respiratory issues
For athletes, optimal lung function is essential. When oral health is poor and oral infections are left untreated, bacteria causing cavities and gingivitis can travel from the mouth to the lungs, potentially leading to infections and exacerbating lung conditions. Dental plaque harbors oral bacteria, which can be managed by thorough daily brushing and flossing. Diseased lungs cannot fend off bacterial invasions, increasing infection risks. Moreover, gum disease can aggravate chronic lung inflammation in conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia, as infected gums trigger systemic inflammatory responses that affect the lungs.5
Improving oral health with antibacterial treatment
Given the significant impact of oral health on athletic performance, athletes need to adopt rigorous oral hygiene practices. Controlling oral biofilm, or dental plaque, is critical to preventing oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay. However, research has shown that even a high-quality electric toothbrush removes only about 65% of the harmful bacteria in the mouth.6
Antibacterial treatment (specifically Lumoral, which is not yet available in the US) enhances the effects of mechanical toothbrushing, and studies show that it also significantly improves the results of professional oral care in a preventive manner. Antibacterial treatment also slows down plaque formation, considerably reducing the burden of harmful bacteria in the mouth.6,7
User experience suggests that antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) administered at home via the Lumoral device may even improve dry mouth symptoms as it increases salivation. However, more scientific evidence is needed on the method’s effect on salivary secretion. New clinical trials on this topic are currently being initiated.
Tips for a healthy mouth
Brush and floss regularly: Brush at least twice daily and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles.
Regular antibacterial treatment: The Lumoral method (a CE-marked medical device) removes microscopic plaque from the surface of the teeth and gums, slowing the formation of new plaque and tartar. Its effect is based on the light-activated Lumorinse mouthwash. The treatment targets its antibacterial effect only on plaque and thus favors the normal bacterial flora in the mouth.
Regular dental checkups: Visit the dentist every six months for professional cleanings and checkups.
Healthy diet: Certain foods can help improve oral health by promoting strong teeth, healthy gums, and fresh breath. Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and limit sugary snacks and drinks.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain salivary production, which helps protect teeth from decay. Staying hydrated is essential for saliva production. Saliva is an important defense mechanism in the mouth as it helps cleanse the mouth of bacteria and food particles. Adults should drink at least 1–1.5 liters per day, according to Professor Meurman.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Clinical Insights newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe.
References
- Kapila YL. Oral health’s inextricable connection to systemic health: special populations bring to bear multimodal relationships and factors connecting periodontal disease to systemic diseases and conditions. Periodontol 2000. 2021;87(1):11-16. doi:10.1111/prd.12398
- Ferrazzano GF, Cantile T, Quarto M, Ingenito A, Chianese L, Addeo F. Protective effect of yogurt extract on dental enamel demineralization in vitro. Aust Dent J. 2008;53(4):314-319. doi:10.1111/j.1834-7819.2008.00072.x
- Chatterjee A, Saluja M, Agarwal G, Alam M. Green tea: a boon for periodontal and general health. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2012;16(2):161-167. doi:10.4103/0972-124X.99256
- Ashley P, Di Iorio A, Cole E, Tanday A, Needleman I. Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49(1):14-19. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093617
- Gomes-Filho IS, Passos JS, da Cruz SS. Respiratory disease and the role of oral bacteria. J Oral Microbiol. 2010;2. doi:10.3402/jom.v2i0.5811
- Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, et al. Home-applied dual-light photodynamic therapy in the treatment of stable chronic periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—three-month interim results. Dent J (Basel). 2022;10(11):206. doi:10.3390/dj10110206
- Aggarwal N, Gupta S, Grover R, Sadana G, Bansal K. Plaque removal efficacy of different toothbrushes: a comparative study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2019;12(5):385-390. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-1669
