The Relationship between Athletes’ Oral Health and Overall well-being

Background: This review article aims to emphasize the importance of oral and dental health, which is often overlooked but an indispensable element of overall health, and the striking effect of oral health on athletic performance, which has emerged in recent research in the field of sports medicine and dentistry. Materials and Methods: In the search for scientific literature for this review, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, and SportDiscus were used, and the terms ‘’ oral health’’, sports injuries’’, ‘’ sportive performance’’, ‘’ dental health’’. “athletes’ health’’ were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches Results: It is widely acknowledged that optimal oral health plays an important role in overall well-being. It is also recognized that athletes face unique challenges due to the demands of intense training programs. It is worth noting that maintaining good oral and dental health has implications that extend beyond a bright smile. There is growing evidence that it can also have a significant impact on an individual's physical performance and overall health. It is worth noting that athletes may be particularly vulnerable to a range of oral health concerns that could potentially impact their performance and overall well-being. Conclusion: Athletes may sometimes experience common oral health issues such as tooth decay and periodontal diseases, which could be due to several factors. These may include an increased intake of sugar from sports drinks, dehydration during training which can lead to dry mouth, and potential trauma from contact sports. It is worth noting that these issues can have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance, beyond mere discomfort. They can affect nutrition intake, sleep quality, and even systemic inflammation levels.