Large-scale athletic competitions attract spectators eager to see top performers and support their preferred athletes. Although dedication, practice, and genetic factors are typically associated with success in sports, a recent study suggests that oral hygiene could be an additional element affecting athletic achievement.
The report, titled Winning Margins: The Impact of Oral Health on Athlete Performance, examines how oral health may affect athletic performance through biological, nutritional, and psychological pathways. Professor Nicola West, EFP officer, said growing evidence suggests poor oral health can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
Professor West highlights that oral health and athletic performance are interconnected in various ways and should be integrated into an athlete’s full health strategy. The report includes perspectives from sports professionals, such as Fabian Marc Hürzeler, head coach of English Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Hürzeler mentioned that numerous athletes tend to overlook oral health’s significance compared to areas like nutrition, even though both can affect performance. Kate Shortman, a British Olympic artistic swimmer and medalist, stressed the need for heightened awareness, as they believe oral health is not consistently prioritized in elite sports despite its influence on performance and overall wellbeing.
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Oral Health Impacts Performance
According to Shortman, research shows how oral inflammation may contribute to systemic inflammation throughout the body. They noted that this is an important consideration for athletes, as it can impact their overall health and performance.
The report analyzes how dental ailments and oral pain can impact dietary habits, quality of life, and mental health. Researchers also explored how oral conditions might influence neuromuscular performance, strength, and balance, emphasizing their potential effect on athletic performance.
The report identified sport-specific dangers, such as dental erosion caused by acidic environments in inadequately maintained swimming pools. It suggested that raising awareness of oral health is the first step toward enhanced athletic performance.
Promoting oral hygiene education and routine dental examinations can improve outcomes. Professor Moritz Kebschull, a former EFP president, stated that awareness of oral health in sports remains low and sports organizations should incorporate sports dentistry as a vital component of athlete care, given its importance for overall health and performance.
Improving Athlete Wellbeing
Elizabeth Sukkar, senior research manager at Economist Enterprise, noted that sports federations exert significant influence over athlete wellbeing through policies and training environments. They indicated that integrating oral health into standard care, educational initiatives, and preventive measures may enable athletes to achieve better performance and more effective recovery.
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The report urges collaboration among sports bodies, coaches, medical practitioners, and dental specialists to enhance awareness, preventive actions, and access to oral health services. It also calls for additional research, such as longitudinal studies and advanced metrics for assessing oral health’s influence on athletic performance, which would aid in understanding the relationship between the two.
Professor Anton Sculean, EFP secretary general, emphasized that enhancing athletic performance via improved oral health requires coordinated efforts from athletes, teams, governing bodies, and the broader community. They stressed that all stakeholders have a part to play in advocating for oral health and its significance in athletic achievement.
Advancing Oral Health Awareness
Professor Mia Rakić, EFP President, said the organization remains committed to advancing scientific evidence and promoting awareness of oral health screening and prevention. They noted that this is an ongoing process, and they will continue to work towards improving oral health and its impact on athletic performance.
The European Federation of Periodontology has long advocated for the importance of oral health in overall wellbeing, and this report further emphasizes the need for awareness and education in the sports community, as they continue to promote the importance of oral health for athletes and individuals alike.
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