Bodies of gods, teeth of yobs

Olympic athletes may have bodies of gods but the same can't be said of their teeth.

A group of British and American academics issued a statement in the British Journal of Sports Medicine yesterday about the "consistently reported poor oral health in elite athletes".

Professor Ian Needleman from the periodontology unit at University College London told The Times that a study of 300 athletes at the London Olympic Village in 2012 showed their teeth were in a "frightening" state. A systematic review of research on the issue found the same.

About 30% of all visits to the Olympic Health centre were for dental problems.

Needleman said the athletes' teeth were worse than those of a "similar-aged group of young people of similar health and class" and more "similar to a disadvantaged population".

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Poor oral health can cause pain and infections and disrupt performance. One 100m sprinter told Needleman that he had not been able to train properly because of problems with his teeth.

The statement said that eating disorders are prevalent in athletics, gymnastics and boxing. Bulimia can also cause dental problems.

Risk factors are diets high in carbohydrates and acidic sports drinks. But the scientists warned against demonising sports drinks.

Needleman said: "Gum disease can cause low-level inflammation in the body. Your head and body are connected."

He said elite athletes looked for an accumulation of marginal gains to give them split-second advantages. "None of us will become an elite athlete from looking after oral health. But if you are looking at small gains, good oral health could be one of the elements."

The professor said the general population should drink energy drinks high in sugars and acid only "when necessary".

His other advice is to spit rather than rinse after brushing. Leaving fluoride in the mouth helps it do its job to prevent cavities.