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Oral health-related behaviours reported by elite and professional athletes

British Dental Journal volume 227, pages 276–280 (2019)Cite this article

Abstract

Background In elite sport, the protection of an athlete's health is a priority. However, research indicates a substantial prevalence of oral disease in elite and professional athletes. The challenges to oral health from participation in sport require investigation to identify effective strategies and mitigate risk.

Aim To explore athlete-reported oral health behaviours, risks and potential for behaviour change in a representative sample of elite athletes based in the UK.

Method This was a cross-sectional study. We provided oral health screening for 352 elite and professional athletes from June 2015 to September 2016; 344 athletes also completed a questionnaire.

Results The median age was 25 years (range 18-39) and 236 (67%) were male; 323 (94.2%) said they brush twice daily while 136 (40%) said their most recent dental attendance was within the previous six months. Ninety-seven (28%) would be assessed as high consumers of sugar in their regular diet. The use of sports nutrition products was common with 288 (80%) reporting the use of sports drinks during training or competition but were positive about behaviour changes.

Conclusion Despite reporting positive oral health-related behaviours, 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.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge the input from our advisory group, the athletes and support staff from all the sports who so generously gave of their time to contribute to this research project. Thank you also to Miss Sarah Needleman and Mrs Karen Wigmore for data entry and to Mrs Karen Wigmore, Mrs Alison O'Neil and Miss Laura Wigmore for assistance during data collection. We are grateful to Professor Susan Michie and Professor Robert West of the UCL Centre for Behaviour change for advice regarding the design of the behaviour change elements of the questionnaire.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. UCL Eastman Dental Institute Centre for Oral Health and Performance, 256 Gray’s Inn Road, London, UK

    Julie Gallagher, Paul Ashley & Ian Needleman

  2. UCL Eastman Dental Institute, Biostatistics, 256 Gray’s Inn Road, London, UK

    Aviva Petrie

Authors
  1. Julie Gallagher
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  2. Paul Ashley
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  3. Aviva Petrie
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  4. Ian Needleman
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ian Needleman.

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This project was jointly funded by a grant from GSK and UCL IMPACT (award number 157,871). The authors declare no conflict of interest. The Centre for Oral Health and Performance is part of the UK IOC Research Centre for Prevention of Injury and Protection of Athlete Health with the Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH) and the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine (NCSEM).

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Gallagher, J., Ashley, P., Petrie, A. et al. Oral health-related behaviours reported by elite and professional athletes. Br Dent J 227, 276–280 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-019-0617-8

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