Athletes, particularly those in endurance events, eat and drink up to three times more than non-athletes of similar ages. This means that the frequency of food and drink they take in is usually higher, as well as the total amount. It is this fact that makes them more at risk of dental problems. If athletes understand what’s going on with their teeth, they can have a better chance of preventing problems that could potentially affect performance and cause ongoing problems in the years to come. There is no reason why the teeth of 15-to-25-yearolds should not be in perfect shape. However, in my experience as a dentist, and according to recent studies carried out in Sweden and the UK, around 30 per cent of athletes in this age group have some dental disease.
Dentist, ex-junior international rower and reigning British Master’s Champion Mark Shimmin advises athletes on maintaining their teeth.
Decay and erosion