The Impact of Oral Health on Athletic Performance: Narrative Review

Abstract

Background. Oral health is a key element of overall health. It both influences the whole organism and reflects the condition of the entire body. Surprisingly, it is often neglected in elite Athletes. Despite their high physical efficacy, they exhibit a surprisingly high prevalence of oral diseases.  

Aim. The aim is to review current evidence on oral health in athletes. It aims to analyze the mechanisms by which oral health influences sports performance and how highly active patients differ from the average.

Material and Methods. A literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed. The search incorporated the following keywords: “Oral health”, “Athletes”, “Sports Dentistry”, and “Physical Efficacy”. Randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from 2004 to the present were included.

Results. Research shows a high prevalence of caries (15-89%), periodontal diseases (up to 77%), and enamel erosion (36-85%) in athletes. Up to 32% of them notice that oral diseases have a negative impact on training and sports performance. It is primarily due to pain and inflammation. The oral diseases impair physical performance, including reduced VO₂max.

Conclusion. Poor oral health is common among athletes. It is an often overlooked barrier to achieving optimal athletic performance. Integrating oral healthcare into sports medicine is essential to improve both oral health and overall athletic performance.