Save that smile! Avoid high carb diet, acidic sports drinks

A new study has indicated that high carb diet, acidic sports drinks and eating disorders affects athletes' dental health which ultimately affects their overall performance.

A new study has indicated that high carb diet, acidic sports drinks and eating disorders affects athletes' dental health which ultimately affects their overall performance.

The UK and North American authors, all experts in dental health and sport and exercise medicine, pointed out that dental consultations accounted for almost a third of all medical visits at London 2012, and that demand has continued to increase at subsequent major competitive events.

Tooth decay affected 15-75% of athletes, moderate to severe gum disease up to 15%, enamel erosion 36-85% and pericoronitis/impacted molars 5-39% and damage caused by trauma was reported by between 14-57% of athletes in high risk sports.

Study showed that athletes with poor dental health were likely to suffer pain, difficulties sleeping and eating, systemic inflammation, a dent to their confidence and may be generally out of sorts, all of which could be detrimental to their performance.

Authors concluded that to achieve a sustained effect, oral health should be embedded within other aspects of health promotion, taking into account the structural issues and inter-relationship of athletes within their sport and peer networks.