It’s hard to win a gold medal if you have a toothache. A recent study cited in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explored how poor oral health affects athletic performance at the elite level.
“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.”1
The dental troubles experienced by Olympians and professional athletes are not any different than those found in the general population: tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal disease, and inflammation around partially erupted wisdom teeth. It’s vital to note that these issues are largely preventable.
Athletes are also at risk for mouth injuries suffered while competing or training. Tooth trauma can prevent injured athletes from competing in the short term and cause ongoing complications down the road.
Whether you are an Olympic runner or a busy Timonium working mom who seems to be running all the time, dental health affects your overall health and quality of life. Don’t let your performance suffer because of poor oral health.
If it has been a while since you have had a dental exam, we invite you to schedule a check-up and cleaning by calling Dr. Steven W. Haywood at 410-453-9399.
Dr. Steven W. Haywood is located at 108 W Timonium Rd Ste 200 in Timonium, Maryland. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including cosmetic dentistry and implant cosmetic comprehensive care. You can read more about our services at https://www.flossem.com/meet-dr-steve-haywood/.
1Ashley, Di Iorio, Cole, Tanday, Needleman, “Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review,” British Journal of Sports Medicine, November 11, 2014, http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2014/11/11/bjsports-2014-093617.full?g=w_bjsm_open_tab, accessed on December 19, 2014
Contact Dr. Steven W. Haywood:
410-453-9399
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
108 W Timonium Rd Ste 200
Timonium, Maryland
21093
