Dental health and performance: a link not to be overlooked
Cavities, inflamed gums, a painful wisdom tooth… Among athletes, poor oral health is common and can interfere with training. The link with tendinitis is often mentioned but remains poorly proven: what we really know.
Looking after your teeth is also looking after your training.
A more common problem than you might think
At the 2012 London Olympic Games, dentists examined nearly 300 elite athletes. Many had cavities, inflamed gums or enamel erosion, and about one in five said these problems affected their training or performance. Sugary drinks and gels, a dry mouth during exercise and breathing through the mouth do not help.
And tendinitis?
It is often said that a dental infection could encourage tendinitis or joint pain. A few observations point in this direction, as an infection can maintain inflammation throughout the body. But the evidence remains limited: tendinitis is far more often explained by training overload, a change of shoes or terrain, or insufficient recovery.
If you have tendinitis that drags on, see a doctor or physiotherapist. And if you also have dental pain or an infection, do mention it: a check-up at the dentist can do no harm.
Good habits
- Brush twice a day, for 2 minutes, with fluoride toothpaste.
- A visit to the dentist every year, more often if needed.
- Rinse your mouth with water after a sugary drink or gel during exercise.
- Drink water regularly to avoid a dry mouth.
Sources
- Needleman I. et al., "Oral health and impact on performance of athletes participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games: a cross-sectional study", British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2013. See on PubMed
- Assurance Maladie (French national health insurance), looking after your teeth, ameli.fr.
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