When Healthy Smiles Matter on the Field
Oral Health and Quality of Life in Professional Soccer Players
Why Oral Health Is More Than a Dental Issue
Professional athletes are often seen as symbols of peak physical health. However, growing scientific evidence shows that oral health is frequently overlooked—even among elite players. Tooth decay, gum disease, and dental erosion are not only common in athletes, but they may also interfere with daily comfort, overall well-being, and even sports performance.
A recent study from Southern Italy sheds light on this hidden issue by examining oral health conditions and their impact on quality of life among professional soccer players.
What Did the Researchers Investigate?
Researchers from the University of Catanzaro and the University of Calabria conducted a cross-sectional study involving 160 professional male soccer players from seven clubs in the Calabria region, Italy.
The study aimed to:
Assess the overall oral health status of professional soccer players
Identify lifestyle and dietary factors linked to oral diseases
Explore how oral health affects quality of life and well-being
To achieve this, the team combined clinical dental examinations with questionnaires, including the widely used Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which measures how oral conditions influence daily life.
How Was Oral Health Measured?
Players underwent standardized dental assessments covering:
Dental caries (tooth decay)
Missing or filled teeth
Dental erosion
Periodontal (gum) disease
In addition, players reported their oral hygiene habits, dental visits, and consumption of sugar-rich foods, sports drinks, and energy drinks.
Key Findings: Oral Problems Are Common
Despite their young median age (25 years), oral health issues were widespread:
71% had at least one decayed, missing, or filled tooth
37.5% had active dental caries
48% showed signs of dental erosion
50% had some form of periodontal disease
50% required professional periodontal treatment
Frequent consumption of sugary drinks and sports drinks was strongly associated with higher rates of tooth decay. Meanwhile, energy drink intake was linked to an increased risk of gum disease.
Impact on Quality of Life and Well-Being
Although most players did not report severe daily limitations, oral health problems still affected their lives:
30.6% experienced tooth or mouth pain occasionally
Nearly 20% reported discomfort when eating
10% had difficulty relaxing due to oral problems
These findings suggest that even mild or intermittent dental issues can influence comfort, focus, and overall well-being—factors that matter in high-performance sports environments.
Why Does This Matter for Athletes?
Pain, discomfort, and inflammation may affect sleep, nutrition, and concentration. Over time, these factors can undermine training quality and match performance. Importantly, most of the oral conditions identified in this study are preventable, especially given the young age of the athletes.
The results highlight that excellent physical fitness does not automatically mean good oral health.
Take-Home Message
This study reveals that professional soccer players in Southern Italy experience poor oral health, particularly related to tooth decay, erosion, and gum disease. Dietary habits—especially frequent consumption of sugary and sports drinks—play a significant role.
The authors emphasize the need for:
Routine oral health screenings before the season starts
Regular dental follow-ups during the season
Preventive education integrated into athlete healthcare programs
Protecting athletes’ oral health is not just about smiles—it’s about supporting overall health, well-being, and performance on the field.
Original Article Reference
Angelillo S, Ferrillo M, Pacifico D, Mirarchi S, Fortunato L, Nobile C.
Oral Health and Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Professional Soccer Players in Southern Italy: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry. 2025;23:107–114.
DOI: 10.3290/j.ohpd.c_1859