The Importance of Oral Health and Athletes

Oral health is a vital component of our physiological and psychological wellbeing. However, current statistics reveal an alarming prevalence of oral diseases on a global scale, the majority of which are preventable if intercepted at an early stage. Known for high levels of fitness, athletes are not immune to oral health problems. Indeed, they represent a population particularly vulnerable to certain oral health lesions, which have been exacerbated by sports-related oral health risk factors. These risks include hyposalivation (hyposialia) and prejudicial eating habits during sporting effort, dental traumatology, training at high intensity, self-medication and the lack of prioritisation of oral healthcare. Identification of these oral health risks is an essential component in the management of active patients.