According to a UCL study, which was published in the British Dental Journal, top athletes are more likely to suffer serious dental problems than the average person even though they are more careful with their dental hygiene.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA, October 14, 2019 /24-7PressRelease/ — Elite athletes might be known for their healthy habits, but their dental health might be suffering. According to a UCLA study, which was published in the British Dental Journal, top athletes are more likely to suffer serious dental problems than the average person even though they are more careful with their dental hygiene. Huntington Beach dentist, Dr. Rassouli, reminds athletes that they may need to take additional steps to prevent dental diseases and save their smiles.
For the study, researchers evaluated more than 350 professional and Olympic athletes from nearly a dozen sports, including rowing, sailing, swimming, cycling, football, hockey and rugby. They checked for tooth decay, periodontal problems and acid erosion. Researchers also surveyed the athletes, asking questions about dental hygiene habits and dental care practices. About half of those surveyed had untreated tooth decay, and most had inflamed gums. About a third of the athletes had such serious dental problems that their overall performance was affected. They suffered these issues even though the vast majority of athletes brushed and flossed their teeth with far greater frequency than the general public.
Researchers theorized that the athletes’ dental health problems might be linked to other characteristics, including the consumption of:
• Sports drinks
• Energy gels
• Energy bars
Athletes tend to be extremely health-conscientious, but energy products tend to be high in sugar and fairly acidic, which increases the risk of acid erosion and tooth decay. During intense training sessions, athletes can also struggle with dry mouth, which can aggravate the issue.
Better dental hygiene alone might not be enough to counteract the problem, but that does not mean athletes are doomed to a lifetime of unhealthy smiles. Instead, they can take steps to protect their teeth, including:
• More frequent dental checkups
• Additional fluoride treatments
• Reducing intake of sports drinks
Both weekend warriors and professional athletes are facing unique dental risks. Dr. Rassouli offers individualized treatment plans that can address these risks and help patients improve their smiles.
About Dr. Rassouli
Dr. Rassouli offers comprehensive dental care, including one-day crowns, Invisalign, periodontal treatments, oral surgery, sedation dentistry, dental implants, root canal therapy, white fillings and general dentistry. A graduate of USC, Dr. Rassouli served on the Accreditation Committee, and after graduation, he co-founded the South Coast Dental Academy and served on the Board of Directors for the Century Club at USC.
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