For much of its history, sports dentistry has been practised quietly. So when dentists Umair Mohammed and John Haughey launched The Sports Dentistry Podcast in March 2024, their aim was not to promote a new speciality, but to create a forum for practical, honest discussion. Within months, the weekly podcast attracted listeners from more than 50 countries and featured contributors from sports medicine, dental research, elite sport and across the wider dental team. What began as an informal project has developed into a consistent platform for professional discussion and education.

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One recurring theme in podcast discussions is the assumption that elite athletes must have excellent oral health. Studies conducted over the past decade consistently show that rates of dental decay, gingivitis and periodontal disease among athletes are comparable to, and in some cases higher than, those seen in the general population. That athletes' oral health is no better than the general population's, and sometimes worse, remains a striking paradox given their otherwise disciplined approach to physical conditioning.

The contributing factors are well-documented: high carbohydrate diets, frequent intake of sports drinks and gels, dehydration, erosion risk and stress-related tooth wear all play a role. In some cases, delayed dental intervention has resulted in missed training or competition, highlighting the wider implications of untreated oral disease. Sports dentistry is about working alongside them to reduce avoidable risk through prevention and early intervention.

This focus on prevention is a key reason Philips has chosen to support the podcast and the wider Sports Dentistry Association. As a company with a long-standing focus on evidence-based oral healthcare, Philips' involvement mirrors the preventive approach already embedded within sports dentistry.

Another defining feature of The Sports Dentistry Podcast is its inclusive approach. The podcast treats sports dentistry as genuinely collaborative, involving everyone from dental hygienists and therapists to technicians, academics and students.

To listen to The Sports Dentistry Podcast, visit: https://bit.ly/45U9VPk.

Editor's note: The 27 February issue of the BDJ (Volume 240 Issue 4) is sports dentistry themed.