From the Euros to Wimbledon, we’ve been blessed with sports across our screens already this summer, but on the 26th of July we saw the commencement of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Over the years research has shown that sportsmen and women are at a significantly higher risk of oral health issues. So, this year the IOC has announced the creation of the first on site Oral Health Department, which will provide athletes with specialised dental care and treatments for the duration of the Games. Read more about the onsite Oral Health Department here.
This radical addition to the Olympics is as a result of a report conducted by dental researchers after the London Olympics in 2012. Whereby it was discovered that athletes were at a higher risk of tooth erosion, tooth decay and gum disease, due to engaging in intense sports and consuming a high amount of carbohydrates that are so prominent in sports drinks, gels and food bars.
What is tooth erosion?
Tooth erosion is a dental term referring to the erosion of the enamel coating your teeth, which occurs when acid starts to dissolve and soften the surface layer of your tooth. It is most caused by acidic and sugary foods and drinks, which is so notorious in an athlete’s diet. Some common signs of dental erosion are discolouration of your teeth, hot and cold sensitivity, and more common to chipping and breaking away. If you are concerned about your teeth or feel you meet the signs and symptoms associated with dental erosion, we always advise you to visit your dentist for a check-up.
Taking care of our oral health while exercising
Whilst it’s important to exercise for your mental and physical well-being, taking care of your oral health should be just as important. If you engage in intense exercise and sports regularly, always remember to look after your teeth by limiting your sugary and acidic food and drink intake. A simple way you can reduce the risks are using a straw with your bottle but for further information and advice, speak to your dentist.
If you have suffered at the hands of your dentist, you may be eligible for make a dental claim with Dental Law. We are the market leader in dental claims, working tirelessly since 2000 providing high quality legal representation exclusively for patients who have received negligent treatment from their dentist. With thousands of successful compensations claims under our belt, we are confident our teams can offer advice and support throughout the duration of your claim.
Get in touch with our teams for free today on 0800 152 2039 or request a callback for a no-strings attached conversation with our experts.
Helpful links:
Paris Olympics 2024 https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024
Paris Olympics Oral Health Department https://olympics.com/athlete365/articles/gamestime/new-health-department-to-transform-dental-care-at-paris-2024
London 2012 Dental Research https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/47/16/1054
What is Dental Erosion? https://www.dentalhealth.org/dental-erosion
Client success stories https://dentallaw.co.uk/why-choose-us/client-stories/