The evaluation of oral and dental health and behavioural risk among ultra-endurance athletes: a cross-sectional epidemiological study
This study assessed for the first time the oral and dental health of ultra-trail athletes. We also confirmed and quantified the scale of their exposure to oral health risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study using data from a survey among runners who enlisted in the 2020 edition of the UT4M races (Ultra-Trail des 4 Massifs). The dental health of 84% of the participants was "good" or "very good". The nutritional intake during effort comprised foods liable to induce tooth decay (energy bars (55%), sugar-rich gels and fruit confectionary (40%)) and snacking was frequent (39%). More than 3/5 of runners saw a dentist for preventive check-ups. The more runners participate in races the more likely they are to have oral hygiene strategies during competitions (aOR = 1.85, p = 0.05). The oral health of ultra-trail runners is better than that of the average French adult population. Regular dental hygiene and preventive dental consultations appear to counterbalance the risks that we evidenced.
© Copyright 2023 Research in Sports Medicine. Taylor & Francis. All rights reserved.
| Subjects: | |
|---|---|
| Notations: | endurance sports biological and medical sciences |
| Tagging: | Trailrunning |
| Published in: | Research in Sports Medicine |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2023
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1080/15438627.2022.2042296 |
| Volume: | 31 |
| Issue: | 6 |
| Pages: | 802-810 |
| Document types: | article |
| Level: | advanced |