Abstract

Background: This review article aims to draw attention to the importance of oral and dental health, which is often overlooked but is an essential aspect of overall health. It is important to consider that intense training programs can potentially lead to negative health consequences and increase the risk of injury when undertaken without appropriate health considerations.
Materials and Methods: In the search for scientific literature for this review, data from the US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), MEDLINE, and Sport Discus were used, and the terms “dental health”, “sports injuries”, “athletic performance”, “oral health”. “physical activity” were used. The relevant literature has also taken its source from the research of relevant articles from reference lists derived from data searches.
Results: Recent research in sports medicine and dentistry has highlighted the important impact of oral health on athletic performance. Tooth decay and periodontal diseases are the most common oral health problems among athletes. These adverse health conditions can lead to impaired oral health of the athlete and have far-reaching consequences for both athletic performance and overall health. The effects of impaired oral health extend beyond athletic performance and can impact an athlete’s long-term health and career longevity. In order to avoid this potential that may negatively affect athlete health and career longevity, it is imperative to prioritize oral and dental health.
Conclusion: From the perspective of sports medicine and athlete health, it would be beneficial to address oral and dental health in a more detailed manner. Since the relationship between oral and dental health, athletic performance, and general health status is complex, it would be helpful for sports physicians and sports scientists to recognize the potential effects of oral health on athletic performance. Optimizing both the health and performance of athletes in various disciplines by implementing appropriate preventive and interventional measures is of great importance for athlete health and overall health.