Barça’s medical team stresses importance of oral health
Josep Maria Clemente, a well-known dentist, has been leading a groundbreaking project for a few months that was suggested by the FC Barcelona medical team regarding the impact of oral health on athletes. In a study involving 600 Barça athletes, Dr. Clemente explained to the Barça club’s media the main focus of the study, emphasizing the importance of “prevention” in oral health for overall well-being. “The key is prevention through good oral health, as it can help anticipate potential issues and injuries in athletes,” he said.
Dr. Clemente shared the background of the initiative, which has been progressing well. “At the start of last season, the FC Barcelona medical team, Dr. Corbella and Dr. Gil, reached out to us to begin monitoring the first teams and later expanding to other teams. It was a fantastic idea, and here we are,” he noted.
A crucial aspect of the study is that “all health issues can be linked to the mouth and its surroundings,” underscoring the importance of maintaining good dental health. Gum inflammation serves as an indicator and potential cause of related problems. “We focused on gum health in the study because it is a significant issue; inflamed gums can lead to muscle and joint injuries, and even heart problems.”
Before the “direct examination,” athletes are asked a series of questions about their daily routines. “We inquire about their sleep quality, snoring habits, frequency of brushing, brushing techniques, dental sensitivity, last dental visit, use of mouthguards or bite plates, presence of mouth sores linked to stress, and more,” he detailed.
The study also addresses common issues like cavities and their treatment. The jaw’s response is examined as well, as it can contribute to “muscle injuries, back problems.. we cover all aspects.”
Nothing is unfamiliar when it comes to oral health, whether it’s having straight teeth, the way you bite, eating, or breathing. “The goal is to conduct a thorough examination of all the conditions that athletes may experience,” he concluded.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper