Elite athletes suffer from poor oral health despite being brushed twice a day

Elite athletes suffer from poor oral health despite their efforts to care for their teeth:



The new study found that 94% reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day, and 44% reported regular brushing between their teeth (floss) - numbers much higher than the general population (75% to brush twice daily and 21% to floss).
The researchers found that athletes regularly use sports drinks (87%), energy bars (59%) and energy gels (70%), which are known to damage teeth.
"They use sports drinks and energy gels frequently during training and competition. This increases the sugar in these products from the risk of tooth decay, and the acidity of these substances increases the risk of corrosion. This may contribute to high levels of tooth decay and erosion."
It is encouraging that athletes surveyed said they would consider adopting better oral hygiene habits to address this, and an intervention study has already been conducted.
"Indeed, athletes are ready to study behavioral changes such as the additional use of fluoride from mouthwashes, increasing frequent dental visits, and reducing their intake of sports drinks, to improve oral health."