The bacterial flora of the mouth and its impact on athletic performance and general health

In the specific conditions of elite sport, eating habits, stress and intense physical activity influence the parameters of a normal oral bacterial flora. The diseases linked to these disturbances are generally caries and periodontal diseases, which combine to destroy teeth and periodontium. As these diseases progress, bacteria can colonize distant organs via the bloodstream from the sites of dental colonization and increase the levels of circulating inflammatory markers. These conditions influence the biological parameters necessary for well-being and performance. The aim of this review is to update knowledge on how oral dysbiosis can lead, for example, to musculotendinous injuries, and to highlight the importance of diagnosis during the dental examination and prevention messages for athletes. In sports medicine, particular attention needs to be focused on the oral condition of the athlete, to detect the sometimes-silent dental affections responsible for injury and under-performances.