Sports Dentistry

Sports is a field of competition where speed, strength, balance, and concentration combine. However, one crucial element is often overlooked in this fast-paced environment: oral and dental health . Especially for professional athletes, blows to the mouth, teeth-clenching habits, and infections have become factors that directly impact not only physical health but also performance .

This is where sports dentistry comes into play. The foundation of this field lies in the design of protective oral equipment specifically designed for athletes, the prevention of dental trauma, emergency response plans, and performance-oriented treatments. A blow to the jaw can result in both tooth loss and irreversible damage to the jaw joints. Therefore, protection is not only optional, but also a professional necessity .

Studies show that athletes with cavities or latent infections are at higher risk of injury, loss of focus, and poor reflexes. Furthermore, grinding teeth (bruxism) while sleeping can cause muscle fatigue in the mouth and decreased concentration. Many of these effects can be prevented with a simple mouthguard and regular dental checkups.

In this article, we will examine in detail what sports dentistry is, why it is indispensable in which areas, its effects on performance, and the ideal protection methods for professional athletes.

What is Sports Dentistry and Who Needs It?

Sports dentistry is a specialized branch of dentistry that aims to protect athletes’ oral and dental health, prevent trauma, and enhance performance by supporting their oral structure. Applications in this field extend beyond the production of protective equipment; they also include acute trauma management, temporomandibular joint problems, clenching, and systematic follow-up.

Definition and Scope

According to the World Dental Federation (FDI), sports dentistry is a specialized discipline focused on improving and maintaining the health of athletes’ teeth, gums, jaws, and mouth. This field:

• Protective practices against trauma,

• Treatment of dental problems that occur after sports,

• Management of oral pathologies that may negatively affect performance,

• It includes personalized mouthguard planning .

These services are of interest not only to professional athletes but also to a wide range of groups, including young amateur athletes, active hobby athletes and even fitness enthusiasts.

In Which Sports Is It More Critical?

Not every sport carries the same level of risk to oral and dental health. Sports that involve impact and contact , in particular , make sports dentistry support essential. The sports in the highest risk group are:

Also child athletes , the risk is greater for

Why Is It Important?

Sports dentistry is important not only to prevent tooth fractures or trauma, but also for the following reasons:

• Reduces muscle fatigue due to bruxism (teeth grinding).

• It reduces systemic problems (e.g. tendency to disability) caused by infection.

• It contributes to balance and reflexes by optimizing the closing position of the teeth.

• With the right equipment, athlete self-confidence and concentration increase.

In short, this field is not only protection but also performance enhancement as part of professional sportsmanship. .

The Effect of Oral and Dental Health on Performance in Athletes

For many athletes and coaches, dental health often falls under the radar of training programs or nutrition plans. However, scientific research shows that oral health is directly linked to physical performance. Problems like dental infections, jaw problems, or nighttime grinding not only reduce performance on the field but can also increase the risk of injury.

Clenching, Infections, and the Impact of Balance

Bruxism (teeth grinding) is a common problem that occurs unnoticed in many athletes, especially under stress or before competition. Involuntary clenching of the teeth at night or during training;

• Tension in the jaw muscles,

• Head and neck pain,

• It causes vulnerability to injury in contact sports .

Additionally, chronic infections in the mouth (apical periodontitis, gingivitis, etc.) strain the immune system. This can also lead to:

• Prolonged healing process,

• Frequent infections,

• It causes problems such as feeling tired and low energy level .

As a result, an athlete with poor oral health cannot perform to their full potential, no matter how much they train.

Fatigue, Concentration, and Injury Risk

During sports, the body exerts maximum effort, and the mouth and jaw are also involved. If the teeth and jaw are not in ideal position, this can disrupt posture. This is particularly detrimental in sports that rely on balance and reflexes (e.g., basketball, gymnastics, karate).

• Poor concentration: A toothache or an irritating mouthguard can disrupt an athlete’s focus.

• Injury risk: A poor jaw position can increase damage in the event of impact, leading to head trauma, neck strain, and temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) problems.

• Muscle fatigue: Dental structure that makes it difficult to breathe through the mouth can affect the amount of oxygen reaching the muscles.

What Does Science Say?

 According to a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine , 40% of elite athletes have untreated dental problems, and 20% of these conditions are directly linked to loss of performance.

 Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research found that athletes who wore mouthguards had better reflex times and more symmetrical muscle balance.

Custom Mouthguards and Their Functions

Tooth fractures, jaw trauma, and soft tissue injuries in athletes often occur as a result of sudden collisions or uncontrolled blows. Most of these injuries are prevented by properly wearing a mouthguard. . However, not all mouthguards on the market are created equal. Custom mouthguards are one of the most important applications of sports dentistry, providing both comfort and effective protection.

Types of Mouthguards: Which One is Suitable for What?

Type	Explanation	Area of Use	Protection Level
Ready (stock)	Standardized preservatives sold in markets	Low-contact amateur sports	Low
Boil-and-bite	Protectors that are heated in boiling water and shaped to fit the teeth	Amateur & young athletes	Middle
Custom made	Protectors prepared by the dentist according to individual measurements	Professional athletes, high-risk sports	High

 

Custom guards are digitally designed using intraoral scanners to fit the mouth. Manufactured using 3D printing or milling technology, they fit perfectly in both the upper and lower jaws. These guards:

• Does not impair speech and breathing comfort,

• It prevents trauma by dispersing impacts with its shock absorbing structure,

• It also protects the jaw joint in cases of nighttime teeth clenching,

• It contributes to balance and performance by providing muscle symmetry.

The Effect of Preservatives on Athlete Performance

Clinical research shows that custom mouthguards not only prevent trauma, but also improve reflex time, increase body balance and optimize muscle function.

•  When the jaw position is corrected, the spine alignment and neck muscles work more balanced.

•  Breathing comfortably through the mouth directly affects cardiovascular performance.

•  Conversation and command exchange are not interrupted instantly, which provides an advantage in team play.

Which Protective Branches?

• Boxing / MMA / Rugby: Thick, double-chin-encompassing, impact-absorbing special material models

• Basketball / Football / Handball: Single chin guard, breathable structure

• Mountain biking / Skateboarding / Gymnastics: Soft-edged structures that protect the tongue and cheek tissues

Preventive and Therapeutic Approaches in Sports Dentistry

Sports dentistry is a multifaceted field of practice that encompasses not only preventative measures but also rapid intervention and long-term treatment planning. Proper treatment strategies immediately following oral trauma ensure athletes’ rapid and healthy return to the field. Furthermore, regular checkups can help prevent future risks.

Post-Coup Response: What Should Be Done?

Most traumas that occur during sports require immediate intervention. The most common situations include:

• Tooth fracture

• Complete displacement of the tooth (avulsion)

• Displacement or loosening of the tooth

• Lip, tongue and cheek injuries

Emergency response protocol:

1. If a tooth is dislodged: The tooth root should be protected in milk, serum or saliva without being cleaned and a dentist should be consulted within 30 minutes at the latest.

2. If there is a broken tooth piece: The piece should be stored in a humid environment and, if possible, it can be saved by gluing.

3. If there is bleeding: Pressure should be applied with clean gauze and a cold compress should be applied.

In such cases, procedures such as tooth replacement, stabilization, root canal treatment, or reconstruction may be performed. The dentist’s intervention time directly impacts the chances of saving the tooth.

Advanced Treatment: Implants, Orthodontics and Rehabilitation

If tooth loss occurs due to trauma, both aesthetic and functional restorations are possible with sports-friendly implant systems . Implant-supported temporary dentures can be quickly adapted without disrupting the athlete’s training routine.

In addition, if there are deteriorations in the jaw structure or closing problems, these disorders are corrected with aligners or orthodontic treatments.

Athletes who experience teeth clenching and temporomandibular joint problems may be treated with night plates, muscle relaxant splints, or jaw rehabilitation protocols accompanied by physiotherapy for musculoskeletal harmony.

Preventive Care: The Most Effective Way to Prevent Injury

• With professional dental cleaning every six months, tartar and plaque accumulation is prevented.

• Hidden infections are detected with at least one panoramic film per year .

• A full dental check-up is recommended at the beginning and end of the sports season.

• Personal protective equipment should be renewed and checked for deformations.

These checks should not be neglected, especially in youth teams and young athletes. Because habits that begin at a young age shape both the athlete’s health and career later in life.

Athletes’ Dentist Selection and Correct Follow-up Process

Sports dentistry, unlike traditional dentistry, requires specialized expertise, including rapid decision-making, trauma management, and the production of customized equipment . Therefore, an athlete’s choice of dentist directly impacts their performance, safety, and long-term oral health. So, how do you choose the right dentist? And what should the follow-up process be like?

Qualities to Look for in a Sports Dentist

 Experience in sports traumas:
It is essential that your dentist is knowledgeable about oral traumas, post-impact interventions, and the needs of athletes after implants.

 Technological equipment:
Equipment such as intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM systems and 3D printers enable the production of personalized protectors and digital follow-up.

 A personalized approach:
Preference should be given to physicians who can create personalized plans based on the athlete’s branch, age, and training intensity, and who can understand their performance expectations.

 Collaborative communication:
A physician who can communicate with the athlete’s club doctor, physiotherapist and coach and adopts a multidisciplinary approach manages the process more efficiently.

Planning Suggestions for Club and Individual Athletes

For Clubs:

•  A dental checkup schedule should be created before and after the season.

•  Special protective equipment should be produced for the team and renewal tracking should be provided.

•  The emergency response protocol should be integrated into the club medical file.

•  Tele-dentistry (remote evaluation) systems should be established.

For Individual Athletes:

•  There should be a minimum of 2 checks per year (in-season and out-of-season).

•  Dental cleaning and x-rays should be done regularly.

•  Protectors should be worn during training and deformation should be monitored frequently.

•  Athletes should be informed about oral health awareness.

Continuity: This is where the real success lies

An athlete’s success depends not only on training but also on sustainable health management. Therefore, the sports dentistry process:

• Once started, follow up with a personal dental health file ,

• Control dates should be flexible depending on details such as training intensity and international tour plans .

• Family information and education for young athletes should also be integrated into the process.

Conclusion

Sportsmanship is not limited to physical strength, technical skill, and discipline. True performance is possible only when every part of the body, especially oral and dental health , which is often neglected , functions at full capacity. Sports dentistry is one of the most important health disciplines that protects this integrity and adds security to an athlete’s career.

A custom-made mouthguard, a well-timed dental checkup, or professional intervention after trauma could save an athlete’s season, eliminate the risk of injury, or provide a significant advantage on the road to a championship.

Therefore, dental health should be an integral part of every athlete’s training program and season planning, whether at the amateur or professional level. This awareness by clubs, coaches, and individual athletes will yield sustainable results in terms of both success and health.

Remember, your on-field performance isn’t just determined by your muscle strength; it’s also determined by the strength of your teeth. Protect, strengthen, monitor… and make sports dentistry the silent supporter of your career.