What do we know about elite athlete oral health?

Abstract

Aims Multiple studies have identified that dental caries, periodontal diseases and erosive toothwear are common in elite athletes and possibly more prevalent than in non-athlete populations. The aims of this paper are to: 1) explore what we know about oral health in elite athletes and why we should consider athletes a priority for oral health interventions; 2) to consider the determinants of oral health and how to tackle the potential risks to athletes; and 3) to provide a summary for providers of oral health care and oral health policy, as well as athletes and sports medicine practitioners and allied professionals.Results Oral diseases are common in elite athletes with some conditions, especially dental caries, likely at higher levels than the general population. There is a network of determinants at individual athlete, team and societal/policy level. Implementation of change will require user involvement, behaviour change science and an understanding of the ecosystems of elite sport. Low-cost interventions with good evidence of benefit can be implemented especially harnessing specific motivators in elite sport.Conclusions The burden of oral disease in elite athletes can affect performance, health and wellbeing, and may confer a life-long shadow of treatment and disadvantage. Elite sport should be viewed as a priority for oral health improvement. Simple interventions can improve oral health in high performance sport but need to be underpinned by behaviour change science. Maintaining the oral health of athletes supports their high-level performance goals of athletes and addresses the duty of care. Furthermore, there might be the opportunity for significant oral health capital from the athletes as role models to the rest of the population.