Many Olympians Do Not Exhibit Exceptional Oral Health
Olympic Athletes Do Not Exhibit Exceptional Oral Health While the strength, speed, and performance of Olympic athletes may be breathtaking, a recently published paper reveals that many 2012 London Olympic Games athletes—who were voluntarily assessed in the dental clinic within
Many Olympians Do Not Exhibit Exceptional Oral Health
While the strength, speed, and performance of Olympic athletes may be breathtaking, a recently published paper reveals that many 2012 London Olympic Games athletes—who volunteered for assessment in the dental clinic within the athlete’s village during the summer games—have less-than-desirable oral health. This discovery is a surprising downfall among the world’s most physically fit people. The study, published online this September in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, aimed to evaluate oral health, the determinants of oral health, and the effect of oral health on the well being, training, and performance of Olympic athletes.
The study included 278 subjects, whose oral health was analyzed through medical history, clinical examination, and questionnaire. Initial analysis of Olympic athletes from Africa, North America, South America, and Europe—representing 25 sports—revealed that 55% presented with caries; 45% had dental erosion; and 76% exhibited periodontal diseases. When asked about the impact of oral health on quality of life, 40% of the subjects noted they found oral health disparities to be bothersome, and even hindered their ability to train and perform. Nearly half of all subjects had not received routine preventive care within the past year.
Post-evaluation data analysis revealed that the oral health of Olympic athletes was worse than average individuals. According to the researchers, this may be due to their consuming large quantities of carbohydrates and energy drinks, which contain high sugar levels. The intensive training undertaken by Olympic athletes may also inhibit their ability to maintain effective self-care regimens. The researchers concluded that athletes need more education on the importance of oral health and its relationship to systemic health.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
October 2013
