Abstract
Many athletes in this regard find difficulty with access to dental/oral advice, and their views on prevention are often influenced by their network of peers, support staff, and affiliated sports organizations. A consistent finding in published studies is that oral health of elite athletes is poor, in spite of the avoidable nature of most oral diseases, and their potential for impact on health, well-being, and performance in otherwise robust and highly prepared athletes. A review of 39 studies on oral health of athletes revealed dental caries in 15-75%, moderate to severe periodontitis in up to 15%, dental erosion in 36-85%, pericoronitis/ impacted third molars in 5-39%, and dental trauma in 14-57% (2). Another two studies showed athletes generally had 46% caries, gingival inflammation at 58-85%, and periodontitis at 5-41% (3).
Recommended Citation
Bresky, Ilana; Le, Anthony; and Soileau, Kristi DDS, MEd, MSHCE, FACD, FICD
(2024)
"Oral Health Problems in Athletes,"
New Orleans Dental Association News: Vol. 62:
No.
4, Article 4.
Available at:
https://commons.ada.org/noda-news/vol62/iss4/4