Int J Sports Med 2011; 32(9): 720-724
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1277192
Nutrition

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Elite Athletes and Oral Health

S. Bryant1 , K. McLaughlin1 , K. Morgaine1 , B. Drummond1
  • 1University of Otago, Oral Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
Further Information

Publication History

accepted after revision April 01, 2011

Publication Date:
17 May 2011 (online)

Abstract

Elite athletes follow demanding training regimes to achieve optimal performance. Training incorporates strategies which coincide with risk factors for dental caries and erosion. The important role of a disease-free oral cavity for peak performance is often overlooked and oral health may be compromised. This initial exploratory study aimed to identify risk factors for dental caries and erosion in elite triathletes. Questionnaires regarding training, diet and oral health were distributed to a sample of elite triathletes in New Zealand. A further sample of 10 athletes was randomly selected from the Dunedin triathlon club to participate in a clinical oral examination. Sports drinks were consumed by 83.9% of the triathletes while training; for 48.4% consumption of both sports drinks and water was described as ‘little sips often, from a bottle’. Eating during training sessions was reported by 93.5% of participants; of those 62.1% ate only during cycling training. Only 3.2% perceived training as high risk to oral health. All clinical examination cases were assessed as high risk for developing caries. The diet of elite triathletes is consistent with a high risk profile for caries and erosion. Future research should be aimed at oral health promotion programs for the athletes, coaches and oral-health providers.

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1 Carding is the formal recognition by both the appropriate National Sporting Organisation (in this case Athletics NZ) and the New Zealand Academy of Sport of an athlete's potential or actual international performance at a pinnacle sporting event such as the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics [16].

Correspondence

Kate MorgaineMPH 

University of Otago

Oral Sciences

Faculty of Dentistry

Dunedin

New Zealand 9010

Phone: +64/3/479 7113

Fax: +64/3/479 7113

Email: kate.morgaine@otago.ac.nz