Those who play sports are at greater risk of dental diseases such as caries and periodontitis. Therefore, taking care of your oral health is particularly important because problems can also affect athletic performance.

Life as an athlete has many health benefits but can also have negative consequences. One is that those who play sports at a high level are more likely to have caries and inflammation of the gums, which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

There are several reasons for this. People who train hard need to eat more often, which strains the teeth. It is also not uncommon to need extra energy during training sessions, and many energy supplements, such as energy bars and drinks, are high in sugar.

Intense exercise also involves a high heart rate and intense breathing, often through the mouth. This reduces saliva production, making it easier for bacteria to attach to teeth.

Studies have shown that among athletes, as many as around 70% have caries, and 15% have periodontitis or tooth loss.

Oral bacteria migrate elsewhere to the body

Annimari Korte is a hurdler who has represented Finland in both the World Championships and the Olympics. She previously held the Finnish record in the 100-metre hurdles.

- It is well known that elite athletes are at greater risk of dental disease. The symptoms themselves can be troublesome and make training complex, but they can also affect the body physically in a negative way that reduces performance, she says.

For example, the link between more severe dental disease and cardiovascular disease is well documented. Studies have shown, for example, that people with periodontitis, i.e. 28 per cent more likely to have a first heart attack. And the symptoms are not always visible.

- The harmful bacteria in our mouths can travel through the inflamed gums and into the bloodstream. When the body's immune system recognises the dangerous bacteria, the reaction results in an inflammation process to fight the bacteria. The result can be, for example, an infection of the heart valves or inflammation of the heart vessels, says Tommi Pätilä, cardiac surgeon and founder of Koite Health.

Light-activated therapy is essential for a healthy mouth

Exercising hard with low-grade inflammation in the body can involve significant risks. This is one reason why high-level athletes need to monitor their oral health.

- Because many oral conditions that can be detrimental to elite athletes are asymptomatic, it is essential to visit the dentist or dental hygienist frequently. This way, you can detect problems in time, says Annimari Korte.

To prevent oral infections and dental diseases, the most important thing to do is to brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day and clean between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Taking some form of fluoride treatment daily is also a good tip.

Manual toothbrushing is not, however, perfect—studies have shown that it only removes 65 per cent of the harmful bacteria on your teeth—it can be helpful to use a supplement, such as Lumoral therapy. Lumoral uses a patented light-activated therapy that removes 99.9% of the harmful bacteria on the tooth surface.

- I have been using Lumoral for a year and a half now, and my gums are in much better shape today. They no longer bleed when I clean between my teeth, and I have not had a cold since then. This has allowed me to train very effectively, and recently, I did my fastest time in three years, 12.83 seconds, says Annimari Korte.

Lumoral

The Lumoral method removes microscopic plaque from the teeth and gums' surface, slowing down the formation of new plaque and tartar. Its effect is based on the light-activated Lumorinse mouthwash. The treatment targets its antibacterial effect only on plaque and thus favours the normal bacterial flora in the mouth. Lumoral is a CE-marked medical device.

Lumoral consists of a mint-flavoured mouth rinse, Lumorinse, which is combined with the special mouthpiece. Using a method resembling photosynthesis, the treatment eliminates the ability of plaque to adhere to its substrate, which means that the teeth are cleaned, and the tooth surface becomes smooth.

The treatment, which can be performed at home, takes 10 minutes and is recommended once or twice a week.

Lumoral Junior

For children, there is Lumoral Junior, which includes a mouthpiece adapted for children's needs.

It is suitable for children between 4 and 12 years old. From the age of 12, children can usually switch to using a Lumoral mouthpiece, which is ideal for adults. To use Lumoral, the child should be able to rinse their mouth with mouthwash.

If you want to improve your athletic performance, there are many things you can do. Contrary to popular belief, maintaining optimal oral health can significantly impact athletic performance, as confirmed by recent scientific studies.

Recent research has highlighted the close connection between gum inflammation (gingivitis/periodontitis) and athletic performance. According to leading experts, severity of inflammation directly correlates with decreased performance in activities such as weightlifting and fitness tests. 

Gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup, and periodontitis, a more severe condition affecting both the gums and the supporting jawbone, are prevalent oral health issues. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss and other serious complications. 

To address this critical issue, Finnish scientists have developed a revolutionary solution designed to combat plaque and inflammation effectively. Lumoral utilizes innovative light-activated technology, scientifically proven in numerous studies, to target and eliminate harmful oral bacteria, which is associated with 95 % of all oral diseases. 

Annimari is one of the fastest Finnish 100-meter hurdle runners ever. Since adding antibacterial light-activated treatment to her oral hygiene routine, Annimari has noticed a significant improvement in her gum health. 

Test your inflammation status! 

Attendees of the FIBO event, taking place at the Exhibition Centre Cologne, Germany, from April 11th to 14th, will have the exclusive opportunity to test their inflammation status at the Lumoral booth (Hall 5.2 Stand B 42). Through a quick and simple test, participants can determine whether inflammatory processes are occurring in their mouths, providing valuable insights into their oral health status. The test, worth € 60, is free of charge at the FIBO event.

Furthermore, attendees can learn more about the future of oral care. Lumoral offers targeted inflammation control, enabling athletes and individuals alike to maintain optimal oral health and enhance their performance. By incorporating Lumoral into their dental care routine, professionals, recreational and age group athletes can prevent tooth and gum disease, paving the way for improved athletic performance and overall well-being. 

- We are excited to unveil Lumoral's groundbreaking research at FIBO, highlighting the profound impact of oral health on athletic performance, said Sakari Nikinmaa, CEO at Koite Health Ltd.  

Don't miss the opportunity to discover the future of dental care and its implications for athletic performance at FIBO. Visit the Lumoral booth to learn more about this innovative solution and take the first step towards a healthier, more successful lifestyle. You can also attend the two lectures on this topic, one on Saturday at 10:00 and the other on Sunday at 16:40. The lectures will take place in the Nutrition & Diagnostics Area in Hall 4.2.

For more information about Lumoral, please visit www.zeroplaque.de OR www.lumoralpro.com.

Annimari Korte (35) is renowned for her sports track achievements and extensive sports career. However, many may need to realize that she is also a passionate advocate for oral health within and beyond the athletic arena. While a recent ADHD diagnosis may have come as a surprise in her life, for Korte, it brought a sense of relief.

Annimari is one of the fastest Finnish 100-meter hurdle runners ever and has represented Finland in several major competitions. Although she has decided to end her competitive career after this season, her goals remain high.

"The European Championships in early June are one of my main goals. I already reached the qualifying time last summer, so I don't need to chase any more limits, but I need to be in top shape by May," she says.

Annimari must meet the qualifying time to qualify for the Olympics or be ranked high enough by the end of June.

"It would be great to end my career at another Olympics. For most individual athletes in the world, competing in the Olympics is their biggest dream. It was a dream come true for me, too."

Elite Sports Challenge Oral Health

Success as a top athlete has not been a given for Korte. Illness forced her to even give up competitive sports from 2012 to 2017. It could be due to these setbacks that supporting overall health and oral well-being has always played an important role in her life.

Annimari points out that elite sports are one of the significant risk factors for oral diseases. According to one study, cavities are found in up to 70 per cent of elite athletes, tooth erosion in nearly 40 per cent, and severe gum disease in up to 15 per cent of dedicated athletes. (1)

"Athletes, in addition to their bodies, often put their teeth under strain because rigorous training requires sufficient energy intake. This can be reflected in the frequency of meals and acid attacks formed in the mouth," says Annimari.

Heavy breathing during intense training reduces saliva production in the mouth, causing dryness in the athlete's mouth. Saliva naturally provides good protection for teeth. When this is no longer the case, bacteria in the mouth can form cavities.

Annimari uses the Finnish researchers' developed light-activated Lumoral treatment as part of her regular oral hygiene routine.

"It's great that a device has been invented to help maintain oral health. Many don't realize how much oral health affects overall health and sports performance - including athletic performance," she says.

Annimari admits that training and top-level competition are much more challenging as one ages. Few over 30 can compete or train without any injuries, and dealing with them requires more effort than when younger. That's why taking care of health and healthy habits has been essential to her.

"Recovery is slower, and you can't train as much. It takes more time to recover from competitions and travel. So, you must try to eliminate all the extra stresses from training and focus only on the essential things. Experience, of course, brings the advantage of knowing what kind of training works for you and being able to train accordingly."

Oral Health and Overall Health Go Hand in Hand

Studies show that a long-standing infection in the mouth can cause low-grade inflammation in the body. Low-grade inflammation, in turn, has harmful effects on overall health. The inflammation can be present in the body without one being aware.

Annimari has noticed that her gum problems have eased since starting Lumoral use. This has been particularly important to her as a competitive athlete, as gum inflammation can maintain a mild inflammatory state in the body, adversely affecting overall health and thus also the progress of training.

Visible improvements in oral health have motivated Annimari to use Lumoral regularly for about a year and a half now.

"After starting to use Lumoral, I noticed that my gums no longer bleed when cleaning between my teeth. This has been a significant improvement compared to the initial situation. I've been using Lumoral since the beginning of last year, and I haven't even had a cold since. Last spring, I was able to train so well and healthily that I ran 12.83, which was my best time in three years!"

Annimari's oral hygiene routine includes daily mechanical brushing, cleaning between her teeth, and regular Lumoral treatment. (2, 3, 4)

If there's ever been a lapse in my Lumoral usage, I've observed my gums beginning to ache, signaling a potential recurrence of gum inflammation. Recognizing this, I promptly resume Lumoral treatment, and remarkably, after just one session, my gum condition improves."

Life Beyond the Racetracks

Annimari is ending her competitive career after this season. What thoughts does the decision to end her racing career evoke in her?

"For someone like me, it's probably unusually easy to end a top athlete career, as I've done it once for several years. Many people experience a crisis when their sports career ends, but I'm looking forward to enjoying normal life more and starting proper training with my dogs," says Annimari.

Sport has always been Annimari's passion and way of life, but now she looks forward to new adventures and opportunities. As early as next autumn, she plans to compete in sled dog racing with her Siberian husky, Cairo.

Last September, the sprint hurdler received confirmation of ADHD, a condition she had suspected for a long time. Getting the diagnosis was a relief to her because it explained many things in her life.

"I had considered the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis three years ago, but it slipped my mind afterwards. Even last winter, I mentioned it aloud once. These are typical symptoms of ADHD; thoughts and plans often fade into oblivion or are easily forgotten."

"The diagnosis was a big relief and explained many events, problems, and accidents in life."

Korte's openness about her ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life is essential in fighting stigma and supporting others in similar situations. She now wants to encourage everyone concerned about their health to seek help if necessary.

"While ADHD certainly has its drawbacks, it can also be a significant advantage as an athlete. ADHD includes hyperfocus, where something interesting makes everything else forgotten, and everything can be focused on that one thing. For me, this has been hurdle running."

"ADHD doesn't prevent success, but it certainly helps when you find your own thing. I would encourage young people with ADHD to try out many different hobbies, where they can find their interests and utilize this hyperfocus."

Sources:

Merle CL, Wuestenfeld JC, Fenkse F, Wolfarth B, Haak R, Schmalz G, Ziebolz D. The Significance of Oral Inflammation in Elite Sports: A Narrative Review. Sports Med Int Open. 2022 Dec 25;6(2):E69-E79. doi: 10.1055/a-1964-8538. PMID: 36643596; PMCID: PMC9839431.

Pakarinen S, Saarela RKT, Välimaa H, Heikkinen AM, Kankuri E, Noponen M, Alapulli H, Tervahartiala T, Räisänen IT, Sorsa T, et al. Home-Applied Dual-Light Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Stable Chronic Periodontitis (HOPE-CP)—Three-Month Interim Results. Dentistry Journal. 2022; 10(11):206. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj10110206

Nikinmaa S, Alapulli H, Auvinen P, Vaara M, Rantala J, et al. (2020) Dual-light photodynamic therapy administered daily provides a sustained antibacterial effect on biofilm and prevents Streptococcus mutans adaptation. PLOS ONE 15(5): e0232775. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232775

Nikinmaa S, Moilanen N, Sorsa T, Rantala J, Alapulli H, Kotiranta A, Auvinen P, Kankuri E, Meurman JH, Pätilä T. Indocyanine Green-Assisted and LED-Light-Activated Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy Reduces Dental Plaque. Dentistry Journal. 2021; 9(5):52. https://doi.org/10.3390/dj9050052

FAQs related to the article's topic: 

What preventive measures can endurance athletes take, in addition to the above measures, to protect their oral health during training and competitions?

Endurance athletes can protect their oral health by maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, avoiding snacking on sugary foods, and using fluoride mouthwash to strengthen tooth enamel. During endurance training, it is good to take a sip of plain water after consuming energy.

Are there long-term studies or surveys showing that better oral health affects the performance of endurance athletes?

There has been much research and many studies on the subject, and new research results are constantly being published. Here are a few highlights:

• Vougiouklakis G et al. Dental data of the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• Ashley P. (2015, January 27). Oral health of elite athletes and association with performance: a systematic review. Retrieved from British Journal Of Sports Medicine.
• Gallagher J, Ashley P, Petrie A, Needleman I. Oral health and performance impacts in elite and professional athletes. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol.
• Frese C, Frese F, Kuhlman S, Reljic D, Saure D, Staehle H, Wolff D. (2014, May 9). Effect of endurance training on dental erosion, caries, and saliva.
• Oral health and sports performance in elite athletes (Perio talks podcast, also available on Spotify).

How do the acidity and sugar content of different sports drink and gel brands compare, and which ones are safer for teeth?

The acidity and sugar content of sports drinks and gels vary greatly between different brands; choosing products with a neutral pH level can help minimize tooth erosion. Citric acid is often added to energy gels as an additional ingredient to enhance flavor. However, it should be avoided as it increases the risk of erosion. For more detailed insights, it's best to consult a dentist or nutritionist.