The literature addressing the association between oral health and physical performance is littered with anecdotal evidence suggesting an association between the two. Self-reported studies undertaken at the London 2012 Olympic Games1 would suggest that there is a link between poor oral health and athletic performance within elite athletes. A total of 302 athletes from 25 sports were recruited; more than 40% of them were 'bothered' by their oral health with 28% reporting an impact on quality of life and performance. Further studies undertaken in professional football in the UK,2 and a systematic review3 confirmed these suspicions but without any significant proof. The first large representative sample study of oral health in athletes from different sports at elite level was undertaken by Gallagher et al., (2019). This provides robust evidence of the prevalence of oral health diseases and associated performance impacts in elite athletes.4

Although experience of oral disease differs by sport, the prevalence, in UK elite and professional athletes, is substantial, with common self-reported performance impacts. Despite reporting positive oral health-related behaviours when screening is undertaken, athletes have substantial amounts of oral disease. Athletes are willing to consider behaviour change related to daily plaque removal, increased fluoride availability and regular dental visits to improve oral health.5

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