SUMMER brings outdoor activities.
Many of them, in fact, as we enjoy good weather.
As participation in contact sports continues to grow across age groups, dental professionals are raising concerns about the often-overlooked risks these activities pose to oral health.
From basketball courts to boxing rings, athletes face a heightened risk of dental injuries that can have long-term consequences if not properly managed.
Contact sports — such as football, rugby, martial arts, and even recreational basketball — frequently involve physical collisions, falls, or flying equipment. These incidents can lead to chipped, cracked, or completely dislodged teeth.
According to dental experts, traumatic dental injuries are among the most common types of sports-related harm, particularly among children and young adults.
One of the most effective ways to prevent such injuries is the use of mouthguards. These protective devices act as a cushion, absorbing and dispersing the force of impact that would otherwise be transmitted directly to the teeth and jaw.
Despite their proven effectiveness, many athletes still neglect to wear them, especially in non-professional or informal settings. Dentists emphasize that even a single blow to the mouth can result in permanent damage, making preventive measures essential rather than optional.
Beyond visible injuries, contact sports can also contribute to less obvious oral health issues.
Jaw misalignment, for example, can occur after repeated impacts, potentially leading to chronic pain, difficulty chewing, and even headaches. In some cases, trauma may damage the nerves within teeth, causing them to darken or deteriorate over time. These conditions often require complex and costly treatments, including root canal therapy or dental reconstruction.
Another factor influencing oral health in athletes is dehydration. Intense physical activity, especially in hot conditions, reduces saliva production.
Saliva plays a key role in protecting teeth by neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria. When saliva levels drop, athletes become more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Compounding this issue is the frequent consumption of sports drinks, which are often high in sugar and acidity — both harmful to tooth enamel.
Oral hygiene routines can also suffer among athletes with demanding training schedules. Late practices, travel for competitions, and physical exhaustion may lead to skipped brushing or flossing sessions. Over time, inconsistent oral care increases the risk of plaque buildup, cavities, and gum problems.
Coaches, parents, and sports organizations play a critical role in promoting oral health awareness. Encouraging the routine use of properly fitted mouthguards, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and integrating dental education into athletic programs can significantly reduce risks.
Regular dental check-ups are equally important, as they allow early detection and treatment of potential issues before they worsen.
Contact sports offer numerous physical and social benefits. They also come with inherent risks to oral health that should not be ignored.
By combining proper protective equipment, good hydration habits, and consistent oral hygiene, athletes can minimize these dangers and maintain healthy smiles both on and off the field.
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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists; Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.
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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN
