An Athlete's Guide to Peak Oral Health: Five Strategies to Protect Performance

This is the non-negotiable foundation of oral health. It’s not just about brushing; it's about brushing effectively and comprehensively removing harmful bacteria.

• Thorough Brushing and Flossing: Learn how to brush teeth properly for at least two minutes, twice a day. Follow this with daily flossing to remove plaque from between your teeth.^6,7

• Use Antibacterial Dental Products: Integrate an antibacterial toothpaste  and an antibacterial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine. These products actively fight the  oral bacteria that contribute to plaque build-up.^6-8

It’s not just what you eat, but when and how. Constant sipping or snacking keeps your teeth under prolonged acid attack.

• Contain Fuelling to Workouts: Limit consumption of sports drinks, gels and bars to the periods immediately before, during, and after training.⁴

• Rinse and Neutralise: After fuelling, use plain water or an antibacterial mouthwash to help rinse away sugar and neutralise acid.^4,6,7

Dry mouth during exercise is a major risk factor for athletes and hydration is key. 

• Water is Your Primary Hydrator: For most training sessions, water is the best drink for teeth. It is non-acidic and helps rinse your mouth, combating dry mouth causes.^6,7

• Chew Sugar-Free Gum: Chewing gum can stimulate saliva flow, helping your mouth remineralise teeth.^4,6,7

Don't wait for a problem to arise. The goal of preventive dentistry is early detection.

• Regular Dental Visits: Elite athletes require twice-yearly dental check-ups.⁷ This proactive care can prevent issues like cavities, erosion, or gum inflammation from affecting your performance.

A dental injury can be devastating, resulting in pain, time away from sport, and costly treatment.

• Wear a Mouthguard: For any contact/combat sport, a custom-fit mouthguard made by dentists offers superior protection, comfort and breathability. Remember to clean it regularly to prevent bacterial growth.⁶

These five strategies are more than just dental advice; they provide a holistic approach to striving for peak performance. By adopting this oral care routine, you are taking a step towards safeguarding your oral health, allowing you to train harder, recover faster, and compete at your absolute best.

[References]

1. Gallagher J et al. Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2018;46(6):563–568.

2. Cecoro G et al. Periodontitis, Low-Grade Inflammation and Systemic Health: A Scoping Review. Medicina (Kaunas) 2020;56(6):272.

3. Bramantoro T et al. The impact of oral health on physical fitness: A systematic review. Heliyon 2020;6(4):e03774.

4. Schulze A and Busse M. Sports Diet and Oral Health in Athletes: A Comprehensive Review. Medicina (Kaunas) 2024;60(2):319.

5. Needleman I et al. Oral health and elite sport performance. Br J Sports Med 2015;49(1):3–6.

6. FDI World Dental Federation (2019). Sports Dentistry: Guidelines for elite athletes. Available at: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/guidelines-elite-athletes. Accessed March 2026.

7. FDI World Dental Federation (2019). Sports Dentistry: Guidelines for dentists and sports medicine physicians. Available at: https://www.fdiworlddental.org/guidelines-dentists-and-sports-medicine-physicians. Accessed March 2026.

8. Nicholson JW. Stannous Fluoride in Toothpastes: A Review of Its Clinical Effects and Likely Mechanisms of Action. J Funct Biomater 2025;16(3):73.