Elite athletes show higher rates of tooth decay and erosion
Athletes show higher caries and erosion rates. Dentists should consider high-performance sport as a distinct preventive challenge.
A narrative review published in the British Dental Journal on 27 February 2026 has examined oral health in elite athletes and found that caries, periodontal disease and erosive tooth wear are common in this population. Evidence suggests that prevalence of caries and erosive tooth wear in elite athletes exceeds that of non-athlete cohorts of comparable age.
Why elite athletes face distinctive oral health risks
Elite athletes face several interconnected risk factors. The nutritional demands of training, competition and recovery require frequent and prolonged carbohydrate intake, which increases caries risk. Reduced salivary flow contributes further to disease development. Additionally, intense training and competition schedules make routine dental visits and treatment difficult to arrange and complete. The review notes that athletes often possess good oral health knowledge and practise good oral hygiene, yet still accept oral health risk in pursuit of performance gains.
Effective prevention strategies for high-performance sport
The authors recommend interventions that address the athlete's individual motivations and align with sporting routines and team support structures. Standard measures include high-fluoride toothpaste use and improved oral hygiene routines. The review also highlights regular screening and preventive coaching timed to the low season, allowing space for any necessary treatment. Dietary adjustments and practical changes to hydration patterns, such as alternating water with sports drinks, are recommended. Behaviour change approaches that align with athletes' performance-driven motivations have shown improvements in knowledge, habits and self-reported performance.
Links between oral disease and athletic performance
Poor oral health is not merely a clinical issue for athletes. Previous research has demonstrated a clear association between oral disease and reduced athletic performance, including impacts on training and competition outcomes. The authors argue that elite sport should be prioritised for oral health intervention both to protect athletes themselves and to leverage their influence as role models for wider public health messaging.
Frequently asked questions
What oral health problems are most common in elite athletes?
A 2026 narrative review found that caries, periodontal disease and erosive tooth wear are common in elite athletes. The prevalence of caries and erosive tooth wear appears to be higher in elite athletes than in non-athlete cohorts of comparable age.
Why do elite athletes have higher caries rates?
Training, competition and recovery require frequent and prolonged carbohydrate intake. Reduced salivary flow also increases disease risk, and intensive schedules make routine dental visits difficult to maintain.
How can dentists reduce oral disease in elite athletes?
Interventions should align with athletes' performance motivations and team routines. Recommended strategies include regular screening timed to the low season, high-fluoride toothpaste use, preventive coaching, and dietary adjustments such as alternating water with sports drinks.
Does poor oral health affect athletic performance?
Yes. Previous research shows a clear association between oral disease and reduced athletic performance, including impacts on training and competition outcomes. This makes oral health a performance issue, not merely a clinical one.
Why should dentists prioritise elite athletes for oral health intervention?
Elite athletes have influence as role models for wider public health. Protecting their oral health and leveraging their position can help raise awareness about oral disease and prevention in the general population.
