ASSESSMENT OF LONG-DISTANCE RUNNERS AWARENESS OF THEIR OWN DENTAL STATUS BASED ON A QUESTIONNAIRE

Running long and ultra-long distances requires significant physiological resources from the human body. It is known that stayer athletes, unlike others, need to have not only highly developed aerobic capabilities, but also the ability to tolerate high speed and energy consumption without accumulation of lactates in the blood. Intense physical activity, as well as the emotional stress associated with the competitive factor, are an integral part of competitions such as marathons and ultramarathons. The development of aerobic abilities over long and ultra-long distances requires significant physiological resources from the body. The compensatory response to this stress is an immunosuppressive response that has a specific reaction in all organs and systems, including the oral cavity. Many studies have confirmed the existence of a link between the level of this immunosuppressive response in the oral cavity and indicators of dental health. . Poor dental health in athletes can negatively affect training, performance, and well-being both in daily life and during training and competition stages. In this regard, dental diseases can have a negative impact on athletes' results, as regional studies in different countries have shown. The risk of developing various diseases in athletes, including dental diseases, requires more careful study. According to low- and medium-risk studies included in the systematic review and meta-analysis, the estimated prevalence of dental caries in athletes (46.25%) is considered high.