IADR Abstract Archives
The Diet and Oral Health of Elite Athletes in Ireland
Objectives: Previous research suggests there may be a high prevalence of oral disease among elite athletes. Multiple factors may predispose athletes to a high-risk profile including inappropriate consumption of carbohydrates, demanding training regimes and poor oral health-related behaviours/awareness. The aim of this study was to describe the oral health of elite athletes in Ireland and investigate dietary habits and oral health behaviours which may be risk indicators.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study on a convenience sample of elite athletes in Ireland was carried out. Ethical approval was obtained from The Faculty of Health Sciences in Trinity College Dublin. Oral examinations were performed at national training centres (Sports Institute Ireland and the National Rowing Centre) using calibrated examiners and validated indices to measure oral health. A web-based open-source platform, KoboToolbox, was used to create a customised questionnaire for digital data input of athletes lifestyle, dietary behaviours, oral health related behaviours and impact on training and performance. Athletes self-completed a 24-hour dietary recall using Foodbook24.
Results: Data was gathered for 88 athletes from 7 sports. The mean age was 25.6 years old (range 19-42), and 63% were male. The prevalence of dental caries (ICDAS ≥ 3) was 90% at an individual level and 13% at tooth level. Almost 48% of athletes had periodontal pocket depths >3.5mm (BPE 3/4) and 3.4% presented with erosion (BEWE ≥ 9). Just under 40% of athletes reported an incidence of oral pain within the last 12 months. Sports nutrition products were consumed by 94% of athletes. The mean energy intake was 2340 kcals (range 962-5554) for females and 2830 kcals (range 821-6981) for males. Most athletes (91%) had been provided with oral hygiene advice compared to only two-thirds ever receiving dietary advice from a dental professional.
Conclusions: High levels of untreated dental disease were reported in this group. A high frequency consumption pattern of carbohydrate-containing sports drinks and supplements were observed. Oral health promotion and disease prevention interventions should be prioritised in this population.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study on a convenience sample of elite athletes in Ireland was carried out. Ethical approval was obtained from The Faculty of Health Sciences in Trinity College Dublin. Oral examinations were performed at national training centres (Sports Institute Ireland and the National Rowing Centre) using calibrated examiners and validated indices to measure oral health. A web-based open-source platform, KoboToolbox, was used to create a customised questionnaire for digital data input of athletes lifestyle, dietary behaviours, oral health related behaviours and impact on training and performance. Athletes self-completed a 24-hour dietary recall using Foodbook24.
Results: Data was gathered for 88 athletes from 7 sports. The mean age was 25.6 years old (range 19-42), and 63% were male. The prevalence of dental caries (ICDAS ≥ 3) was 90% at an individual level and 13% at tooth level. Almost 48% of athletes had periodontal pocket depths >3.5mm (BPE 3/4) and 3.4% presented with erosion (BEWE ≥ 9). Just under 40% of athletes reported an incidence of oral pain within the last 12 months. Sports nutrition products were consumed by 94% of athletes. The mean energy intake was 2340 kcals (range 962-5554) for females and 2830 kcals (range 821-6981) for males. Most athletes (91%) had been provided with oral hygiene advice compared to only two-thirds ever receiving dietary advice from a dental professional.
Conclusions: High levels of untreated dental disease were reported in this group. A high frequency consumption pattern of carbohydrate-containing sports drinks and supplements were observed. Oral health promotion and disease prevention interventions should be prioritised in this population.