ELITE ATHLETES EXHIBIT POOR ORAL HEALTH DESPITE BRUSHING TWICE DAILY Elite athletes have high rates or oral disease despite brushing their teeth more frequently than most people, finds a new study published in the British Dental Journal. A research team surveyed 352 Olympic and professional athletes across 11 sports, including cycling, swimming, rugby, football, rowing, and hockey. Then dental check- ups revealed substantial amounts or oral disease, finding that nearly half (49.1%) had untreated tooth decay, the large majority showed early signs of gum inflammation, and almost a third (43%) reported that their oral health had a negative impact on their training and performance. Elite athletes have poor oral health despite their efforts to care for their teeth. This new study found that 94% reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day, and 44% reported regularly cleaning between their teeth (flossing)- substantially higher figures than for the general population (75% for twice-daily brushing and 21% for flossing). The researchers found that the athletes also regularly use sports drinks (87%), energy bars (59%) and energy gels (70%, which are know to damage teeth. The researchers found that a majority of the athletes in the survey already have good oral health habits in as much as they brush their teeth twice a day, visit the dentist regularly, don't smoke and have a healthy general diet. However, the sugar in the sports drinks, energy gels and gars they frequently use during training and competition increases the risk of tooth decay, and their acidity increases the risk of erosion. This could be contributing to the high levels of tooth decay and the erosion seen during the dental checkups. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1756677 ELITE ATHLETES EXHIBIT POOR ORAL HEALTH DESPITE BRUSHING TWICE DAILY Elite athletes have high rates or oral disease despite brushing their teeth more frequently than most people, finds a new study published in the British Dental Journal. A research team surveyed 352 Olympic and professional athletes across 11 sports, including cycling, swimming, rugby, football, rowing, and hockey. Then dental check- ups revealed substantial amounts or oral disease, finding that nearly half (49.1%) had untreated tooth decay, the large majority showed early signs of gum inflammation, and almost a third (43%) reported that their oral health had a negative impact on their training and performance. Elite athletes have poor oral health despite their efforts to care for their teeth. This new study found that 94% reported brushing their teeth at least twice a day, and 44% reported regularly cleaning between their teeth (flossing)- substantially higher figures than for the general population (75% for twice-daily brushing and 21% for flossing). The researchers found that the athletes also regularly use sports drinks (87%), energy bars (59%) and energy gels (70%, which are know to damage teeth. The researchers found that a majority of the athletes in the survey already have good oral health habits in as much as they brush their teeth twice a day, visit the dentist regularly, don't smoke and have a healthy general diet. However, the sugar in the sports drinks, energy gels and gars they frequently use during training and competition increases the risk of tooth decay, and their acidity increases the risk of erosion. This could be contributing to the high levels of tooth decay and the erosion seen during the dental checkups. Presented as a service to the community by Dr. Barbara Webster 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 130, Downers Grove, IL 60515 630-663-0554 SM-CL1756677