The Role of Sports Dentists in the Oral Health of Athletes: The Effects of Nutrition, Prevention, and Education on Oral Health and Performance

Abstract

An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but nutrition awareness and mouthguard use keep the sports dentists at bay. Athletes are at an increased risk for poor oral health due to the high levels of sugars and carbohydrates within sports products as well as the increased incidence of oral trauma during their sport. It is the responsibility of sports dentists to maintain the oral health of athletes, most importantly by educating the involved personnel about the risks of poor nutrition as well as the availability and refusal to use protective gear.