FDI POLICY STATEMENTSports Dentistry
Adopted by the FDI General Assembly:
September 2016, Poznan, PolandCONTEXTSports dentistry is the branch of sports medicine dealing with prevention andtreatment of dental injuries and oral diseases associated with sports and exercise.
Amateur and young athletes face greater risk of oral injuries, because they may notreceive proper guidance and/or training. Although the indication of customized
types of mouthguards has increased, and the effectiveness for preventing injuries
has been demonstrated, there is a need to further specify the sport characteristic,
age group, selected material, guard design, as well as time of use. Current evidence
also shows that mouthguards may lose efficiency over time, due to use and regular
maintenance.
Injuries, facial bone fractures and brain concussions should receive specialattention, as sports-related blows may carry a considerable amount of energy.
Aerial duels with projection of the body and consequent head and/or elbow contact
completely change the impact received on the facial bone structure. Face shields,
or customized masks made of scientifically determined cushioning materials, may
be successfully applied and may be indicated for post-fracture use to reduce
recovery time for the athlete. Customized sports mouthguards and face shields
manufactured under the supervision of a dentist, should be favoured instead ofcommercially available pre-sized guards sold over-the-counter.
There is also a need to increase awareness of the potential indirect ‘doping’ effects
of dental prescriptions, i.e. opioid drugs, as certain drugs widely indicated indentistry may be transformed into banned doping substances. For example,
codeine-containing drugs are not prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency(WADA). However, when they enter the body, these drugs are transformed intomorphine, which is prohibited. There are also substances in the body that, when
decompensated due to functional deterioration, can promote reactions andindirectly affect the athlete’s oral health.
Some dental problems, such as non-carious cervical lesions or caries, may alsocome from over training, an unfavourable diet, a parafunctional load, or a lack ofeducation of oral hygiene. Swimmers are particularly exposed to dental erosion risk
due to potentially acidic aqueous environment.
For additional consideration, sports drinks and related products ingested in the formof liquids, or food supplements, can cause complications in the oral environment
including dental hard tissues and dental materials, due to high content of freesugars and acidic ingredients. It should be noted that sugar-free varieties of sports
and energy drinks are often still highly acidic and can therefore cause dental
erosion. All aspects of an athlete’s oral and general health may affect performanceand should be addressed.

SCOPE
This policy statement provides information about the global situation of sports
dentistry and the role of dentists on the health of athletes.
DEFINITIONSSports dentistry is the branch of sports medicine dealing with prevention andtreatment of dental injuries and oral diseases associated with sports and exercise.
PRINCIPLESThis policy statement contributes to FDI’s aims to improve the oral health ofathletes, as well as systemic and psychological health, increasing performance andsafety in sports practice. Moreover, having dentists present in high performancesport teams is an important measure to ensure athletes general health, through oral
preventive and curative action.
POLICY
FDI recommends to: Reinforce the importance of customized mouthguards, shock-absorbing
material, and time of use.
 Promote preventive measures for the maintenance of healthy oral tissues.
 Introduce the indication of customized face masks and shields, made bydentists or under dental professional supervision.
 Update the dental team on the metabolism of prescribed substances in potential
conflict with WADA regulations.
 State the importance of an athlete’s oral health status to their performance andthe manifestation of oral lesions related to systemic reactions derived fromsports conditions.
 Reinforce the importance of the relationship between an athlete’s oral andgeneral health.
 Promote the benefits of well-balanced diets for good oral health.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this Policy Statement was based on the best scientific evidence
available at the time. It may be interpreted to reflect prevailing cultural sensitivities
and socio-economic constraints.
REFERENCES
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