Oral Health Status and Impact on Performance of Professional Soccer Players

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate oral health, the determinants of oral health and the effect of oral health on well-being, training and performance of professional soccer players in Thailand. Methods: Twenty-nine professional soccer players in Phitsanulok FC, Thailand. Oral examination about DMFT, Quigley & Hein plaque index (PI), Loe & Silness gingival index, World Health Organization malocclusion index, pocket depth, TMJ examination and history of dental trauma were recorded. Impact of oral health on athletic performance and training was assessed using OIDP Results: The results demonstrated high levels of poor oral health including dental caries (84%), mean DMFT= 10.08 (D=8.0, M=0.84 and F=1.24), dental attrition (60%) and periodontal pocket (36%). Thirty percent of all players presented bruxism and 10 % with severe malocclusion. More than 40% of athletes were ‘bothered’ by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and 18% on training and performance. Conclusion: The oral health of professional soccer players Thai was poor with a resulting substantial negative impact on well-being, training and performance. As oral health is an important element of overall health and well-being, health promotion and disease prevention interventions are urgently required to optimise soccer player performance. DOI: 10.14693/jdi.v23i1.633