Recently, many studies have focused on oral health guidelines for professional athletes, from Olympians to amateurs – an area that was unfortunately often neglected in the past.
Poor attention to dental care among athletes has frequently led to conditions requiring painkillers or antibiotics, which can compromise performance or create issues related to doping regulations.
Athletes’ diets are constantly evolving in highly specific ways, depending on the sport, duration, frequency, and intensity of training. Additionally, the repeated and high intake of carbohydrates to support muscle glycogen stores, along with continuous hydration using sports drinks and energy supplements, creates a persistently acidic oral environment, exposing teeth to demineralization and making them more vulnerable to cavities and dental erosion.
Research has also shown that energy drinks, acidic supplements, and caffeine can, over time, reduce the saliva’s buffering capacity. Frequent hormonal fluctuations caused by intense training further alter oral pH and increase the risk of periodontal disorders.
It is therefore essential that athletes not only undergo regular check-ups to monitor oral health and prevent degenerative conditions, but also adopt daily strategies to control acidic pH, which is responsible for most oral pathologies.
Cariex® Dental Spray proves to be an ideal solution for all athletes.
Completely natural and formulated with bicarbonate and xylitol, it has no contraindications. It raises oral pH immediately after eating, supporting the saliva’s buffering capacity and preventing demineralization of dental tissues. In this way, it effectively prevents cavities, dental erosion, gum problems, and oral inflammations. A few sprays before and during physical activity can also help in cases of reduced saliva flow and dry mouth (xerostomia).