Why dental health matters more than you think in elite soccer

Eduardo Camavinga was unable to play against Getafe due to a dental problem he has not yet recovered from. He is also unlikely to be included in the squad for the trip to Celta Vigo on Friday (kick off at 3 p.m. ET). The French midfielder had to visit the dentist urgently on Saturday, and the club’s medical staff, aware of the increased risk of injury in situations like this, prefer not to take any chances.

Last season it was Kylian Mbappé who missed about a week with a similar issue. Dr. María Gámez Torrico, from the Myca Clinic, which specializes in sports dentistry, and a collaborator with the Diablillo de Rivas triathlon club, sat down with us to explain the importance of oral health care in elite soccer.

- Camavinga being ruled out because of a dental problem might surprise fans. What about for a specialist?

I think it’s very prudent not to push him. These kinds of dental issues can negatively affect the body in many ways. There are numerous studies that scientifically demonstrate the impact of oral health on elite sports, so yes, situations like this should be handled cautiously.

- How can inflammation or a dental cavity affect the body?

In many ways. It increases fatigue, athletes recover worse from a muscular standpoint, it affects endurance and raises the risk of injuries that can even become recurring. Ultimately, having a healthy mouth reduces the risk of injury and helps improve performance.

- And why does this happen?

The mouth is closely connected with the entire body, and the jaw is tightly linked to the rest of the musculoskeletal system. Even a small infection or cavity can lead to problems. In extreme cases it could even cause endocarditis, which is a heart condition. That’s just one example. And of course it can also end up affecting the body at a muscular level.

Why do elite athletes experience so many dental problems?

We tend to think of the elite athlete’s body as a machine that performs perfectly and is meticulously prepared. And in many ways it is. But when it comes to oral health there is no such thing as zero risk. For athletes, a key factor is the high intake of gels and carbohydrates. All of this increases the chances of cavities if care is not taken. Sometimes those gels can also cause gum inflammation.

- What are the most common problems?

The most basic ones are cavities or gum inflammation. Then there can be more serious issues that require surgery, an extraction or something more complex like a bone graft. In those cases it’s clear that some rest and time away from competition are needed to avoid impacts or complications.

- What other dental issues can affect performance?

Malocclusion, for example. If your bite is not correct, you can develop problems in the temporomandibular joint. When athletes clench their teeth, which happens when they are concentrating or under stress, an incorrect bite increases the chances of neck contractions, headaches and, ultimately, destabilizes the whole system.

- I see…

It also happens that athletes need fluid breathing. A poor bite, crowding of the teeth or a palate issue that can be corrected fairly easily with orthodontics may interfere with breathing properly. If an athlete cannot breathe well, it directly affects performance. Poor breathing leads to greater fatigue, more tiredness, slower recovery and worse performance overall.

- Would a dental check at the start of the season be enough for a player?

In my view, oral health should be integrated into the daily care routine of elite athletes, just as nutritionists or podiatrists have become essential parts of medical teams. A dentist should be part of the medical staff that looks after the athlete. In sports like elite cycling or athletics, that is already standard practice.

- What recommendations would you give elite athletes?

Basic hygiene is fundamental, that goes without saying. But given the high consumption of energy gels, and the fact that almost 90% of those gels are sugar, I recommend that the rest of the diet be very healthy and balanced and that processed foods be avoided. After taking a gel, it’s also advisable to drink some water. To prevent problems, fluoride treatments or other preventive measures can also help. And dental checkups should be carried out at least every six months.

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