Abstract
Aim: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the oral hygiene habits, oral health conditions, and the perception about the influence of oral health conditions on the physical performance of youth and professional volleyball and soccer athletes. Methods: A total of 96 male athletes participated: 48 volleyball players (25 youth and 23 professional players); and 48 soccer players, of whom 22 were youth, and 26 were professional players. We analyzed the oral hygiene and oral health condition (daily toothbrush, flossing, mouthwash, dental plaque, orthodontic treatment, dental/facial trauma, temporomandibular dysfunction, malocclusion, and the athletes’ perception about the influence of oral health conditions on the physical performance (yes or no)). Comparisons were made between the youth and professional athletes for each sport (volleyball and soccer). According to each variable, we applied the Chi-square, Fisher’s Exact, and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: For soccer athletes, we found significant differences between youth and professionals for: flossing (p=0.014), orthodontic treatment (p=0.028), dental/facial trauma (p=0.041), and the athletes’ perception about oral health and physical performance (p<0.001). Considering the category (youth and professional) regardless of the type of sport, we found significant differences for dental plaque (p=0.024) and dental/facial trauma (p=0.005). According to the sport (volleyball and soccer), independent of the category, we found significant differences for daily brushing, dental/facial trauma (p=0.005), and the athletes’ perception about oral health and physical performance (p=0.006). Conclusion: We concluded that the surveyed athletes had good oral health and believed that oral health can influence sports performance.
Highlights
Oral health has an impact on the general health, well-being, and quality of life of athletes
For soccer athletes, we found significant differences between youth and professionals for: flossing (p=0.014), orthodontic treatment (p=0.028), dental/facial trauma (p=0.041), and the athletes’ perception about oral health and physical performance (p
We inquired about the frequency of daily toothbrushing, the use of dental floss and mouthwash, and trauma, as well as the athletes’ perception about the influence of oral health conditions on physical performance, which was evaluated in a dichotomous way
Summary
Oral health has an impact on the general health, well-being, and quality of life of athletes. Most of the studies that have evaluated the relationship between oral health and sports have focused on the risk of orofacial trauma and its prevention[1,2,3,4]. Poor oral health can contribute negatively to the quality of life, increase systemic inflammation, and result in psychosocial impacts such as difficulties with eating, sleeping, and socialization[5,6,7]. Self-reported evidence from athletes suggests that poor oral health negatively affects their training and performance[8]. Poor oral health affects professional athletes from both developed and developing countries. The causes are related to nutritional challenges (intake of carbohydrates and acid sports drinks); the impairment of host immune response due to dehydration, xerostomia, intensive training; poor health behaviors and knowledge about oral health; and the lack of effective, preventive health promotion/support[5,6]
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