Relationship between high performance sports performance and oral health in elite athletes belonging to the Manabí sports federation

Abstract

Introduction: The study arises from the need to address an aspect frequently neglected in elite sport, considering that oral conditions can negatively impact performance through pain, inflammation and nutritional difficulties. Objective: to analyze the relationship between oral health status and sports performance in elite athletes of the Manabí Sports Federation, with the purpose of identifying potential interventions to optimize both oral health and athletic performance. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study with a mixed approach was developed, applying a questionnaire validated by experts to a population of 37 taekwondo athletes who train in the Manabí Federation, selected through non-probabilistic convenience sampling. The research included an exhaustive bibliographic review of documents published between 2019-2023, using specialized databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science and SciELO. Results: The results revealed that 34% of athletes experience high levels of oral discomfort (levels 8-10) during intensive training, while only 9% have suffered head and neck injuries. It is notable that 76% of athletes consider oral health as "very important" for sports performance, and the remaining 24% rate it as "important", evidencing a total consensus on its relevance in athletic performance. Conclusions: The findings confirm the significant influence of oral health on elite sports performance, identifying a considerable gap between the recognition of its importance and the implementation of adequate preventive practices. It is concluded that it is necessary to integrate oral health programs in the sports field, including education, periodic check-ups and promotion of effective hygiene habits, to optimize the performance and general well-being of athletes.