Study of the effect of oral health on physical condition of professional soccer players of the Football Club Barcelona
Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of professional soccer players
of F.C. Barcelona and its relation to the incidence of sport lesions.
Methods: Thirty professional soccer players were consecutively evaluated in the seasons 2003/4, 2004/5
and 2005/6. A research protocol to assess their oral health was developed. DMFT, Quigley & Hein plaque
index (PI), Löe & Silness gingival index (GI), World Health Organization malocclusion index, Ramfjord teeth
probing pocket depth (PPD), TMJ examination and history of dental trauma were recorded. All physical
injuries sustained by players during the season were documented from F.C. Barcelona medical services.
Results: Mean DMFT score was 5.7 (SD 4.1), Quigley & Hein plaque index score was 2.3 (SD 1.1), Löe
& Silness gingival index was 1.1 (SD 0.8), and periodontal pocket depth was 1.9 mm (SD 0.3). Seven (23.3%) players had suffered uncomplicated
crown fractures. The mean incidence of physical injuries was 8 (SD 3.4) per player.
Conclusions? untreated caries, gingivitis or malocclusion, and suffer dental trauma as a result of sports activities.
Their physical condition could also be associated to oral health.