Your toothbrush as important as your shoes

The training Olympic athletes require is intense, but getting their oral health into shape generally isn't part of their focus. New research suggests it should be. According to researchers, the toothbrush may be as important as athletic shoes. 

The research shows the links between oral health, general wellbeing and athletic performance may be due to the following: 1.) pain from oral disease, 2. inflammation, and 3.) a decreased level of self-confidence.

 

The studies are based in part on findings that athletes tend to have frequent carbohydrate intake and reduced immune function from intensive training. Both of these things can lead to less than ideal oral health. 

"While this relates directly to athletes, the information is also important for the general public," says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant practice. 

According to Professor Ian Needleman of the University College London Eastman Dental Institute and one of the original researchers of the study,  "Clearly, pain and discomfort from tooth decay, dental erosion, periodontal (gum) disease or infected wisdom teeth will affect performance. We see psychological impacts from, for example, bleeding gums, bad odors and poor appearance." Needleman went on to explain, "It has been shown that infection in the mouth from periodontal disease, increases the levels of inflammation in the rest of the body, too."

The good news? "These conditions are easily prevented with regular maintenance and general dental care," says Dr. Rice. So, perhaps it would be a good idea to pick up the toothbrush and improve your performance. 

For More Information: Rice Periodontics & Implant Surgery