Despite being one of the least attended aspects among those who practice sports regularly, oral health can affect your physical fitness and performance.
A study conducted on 215 elite football players showed the association between poor oral health and the appearance of muscle cramps and relapses in previous injuries.

These problems can be extrapolated to anyone who practices sports regularly. But why does this happen? At Microdental Clinic in Mojacar, we explain the connection between sports and dental health.

The surprising link between sports and cavities

Athletes, despite their healthy lifestyle, face unique dental challenges:

1. Dehydration and reduced saliva

Intense training causes dehydration, reducing saliva production. Saliva is crucial for:

• Neutralizing acids in the mouth
• Washing away food particles
• Providing minerals to strengthen teeth
• Fighting bacteria that cause cavities

2. Sports drinks and energy bars

These products, while providing energy, are dental enemies:

• Sports drinks: High in sugar and acids that erode enamel
• Energy gels: Sticky and sugar-rich, adhering to teeth
• Energy bars: Often contain dried fruits and sugars
• Frequent consumption: Constant exposure to sugars during training

3. Mouth breathing

During intense exercise, athletes breathe through their mouth, which:

• Dries out the mouth further
• Reduces protective saliva
• Increases bacterial growth
• Accelerates plaque formation

4. Teeth grinding from stress

Competitive stress and physical exertion can lead to bruxism (teeth grinding), causing:

• Tooth wear and fractures
• Jaw pain and TMJ problems
• Headaches and facial pain
• Increased sensitivity

How dental problems affect athletic performance

Poor oral health impacts athletes in several ways:

• Systemic inflammation: Gum disease creates inflammation that affects the whole body
• Reduced recovery: Infections slow healing and muscle recovery
• Pain and distraction: Dental pain affects concentration and sleep
• Nutritional impact: Difficulty eating properly due to dental issues
• Increased injury risk: Studies link poor oral health to muscle injuries

Prevention strategies for athletes

During training:

• Drink plain water instead of sports drinks when possible
• If using sports drinks, drink through a straw
• Rinse mouth with water after consuming sugary products
• Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva

Daily care:

• Brush teeth before and after training
• Use fluoride toothpaste for extra protection
• Floss daily to remove trapped food
• Use antibacterial mouthwash

Professional protection:

• Custom sports mouthguards for contact sports
• Regular dental checkups every 4-6 months
• Professional fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants for cavity prevention

Special care at Microdental Clinic

We offer specialized services for athletes:

• Custom-fitted sports mouthguards
• Performance-oriented dental care
• Nutritional counseling for oral health
• Emergency care for sports injuries
• Preventive programs tailored to athletes

Don't let dental problems affect your game. Schedule a sports dentistry consultation at Microdental Clinic in Mojacar and keep your smile as strong as your performance!