Optimize your performance.
Care for what others ignore.
Scientific research has documented associations between oral health and sports performance. We offer a comprehensive approach that unites functional medicine and biological dentistry.
What research has revealed
Olympic Games studies have documented a high prevalence of oral problems in elite athletes and their potential impact on performance.
Dental patients at Olympic Games
Data collected from dental services in recent Summer Olympic Games editions.
Source: Vougiouklakis et al., Int J Sports Med 2008;29:927-933 – Table 9
This program might be right if…
- You are an amateur or professional athlete looking to evaluate all factors influencing performance
- You regularly consume sports drinks, gels, or energy bars (80% of elite athletes use them)
- You are interested in a preventive and integral approach based on scientific evidence
- You practice contact sports or high intensity where stress and bruxism are frequent
- You want to maintain sustainable high performance in the long term
How oral health can influence performance
Three pathways documented in scientific literature connecting the mouth to athletic capacity.
Inflammation & VO₂max
Athletes with signs of periodontitis (PSI≥3) showed VO₂max of 55.9 vs 59.3 mL/min/kg in athletes without signs (p=0.03). A significant difference in maximum aerobic capacity.
Immune Function
Prolonged exercise reduces salivary IgA secretion by 19.5% post-exercise and salivary flow by up to 39%, compromising local mucosal defenses.
Bruxism & Injuries
38% prevalence of bruxism in athletes (vs. 8-20% general population). Associated with 2.5× higher risk of injuries and worse sleep quality. Higher in combat sports (58%).
Integrative Medicine + Biological Dentistry
Research suggests that oral health should be an integral part of athlete care. However, as documented by Vougiouklakis et al., in Athens 2004 only Brazil had a team dentist among all Olympic delegations.
An approach uniting two disciplines
We combine functional medicine —looking for root causes of imbalances— with biological sports dentistry, which evaluates the mouth not as an isolated compartment, but as part of the whole system.
Functional Medicine
Assessment of metabolism, hormones, inflammation, and recovery
Biological Dentistry
Identification of oral foci and potential systemic impact
Why athletes are at higher risk
Research has identified several factors making elite sports a risk factor for oral health:
- Xerostomia during exercise: salivary flow can reduce by up to 39% during prolonged training
- Training diet: 80% of elite athletes report regular use of sports drinks (acidic and high in sugar)
- Bruxism: 38% prevalence in athletes, especially in combat sports (58%) and weightlifting (50%)
- Transient immune suppression: salivary IgA can decrease ~19.5% post-intense exercise
Conclusion from the Athens 2004 study: “The team dentist, due to the contemporary needs of top-level champions, should be a crucial member of the national sports delegation.” — Vougiouklakis et al., 2008
Comprehensive approach for athletes
We combine functional medical assessment with complete oral evaluation.
Energy Metabolism
Mitochondrial efficiency
Recovery & Sleep
Personalized protocols
Hormonal Balance
Stress-cortisol axis
Gut Health
Absorption & inflammation
Oxidative Stress
Cellular wear
Micronutrients
Specific deficits
3D Oral Assessment
CBCT & hidden foci
Bruxism
Diagnosis & management
HRV & Biofeedback
Nervous system
HBO/IHHT Therapies
Recovery support
Oral Inflammation
Periodontitis, gingivitis
Prevention
Guards & education
How We Work
Comprehensive Assessment
Sports history, goals & labs
360° Diagnosis
Functional medicine + oral eval
Personalized Plan
Interventions based on findings
Follow-up
Adjustments based on progress
Dr. Patrick Welter
Integrative physician with experience in functional, preventive, and personalized medicine. Evidence-based approach with plans adapted to each athlete’s reality.
We work in coordination with the biological dentistry team to offer an approach suggested by research but rarely implemented: the real integration of oral health and sports performance.
“Every athlete is unique. Their assessment and support must be too.”
Ready for a comprehensive assessment?
Book your consultation and explore what factors might be influencing your performance.
Scientific References
- Vougiouklakis G, Tzoutzas J, Farmakis ET, et al. Dental Data of the Athens 2004 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Int J Sports Med. 2008;29(11):927-933. doi:10.1055/s-2008-1038489
- Needleman I, Ashley P, Petrie A, et al. Oral health and impact on performance of athletes participating in the London 2012 Olympic Games. Br J Sports Med. 2013;47(16):1054-1058. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092891
- Merle CL, Richter L, et al. Associations of Blood and Performance Parameters with Signs of Periodontal Inflammation in Young Elite Athletes. J Clin Med. 2022;11(17):5161. doi:10.3390/jcm11175161
- Merle CL, Wuestenfeld JC, et al. The Significance of Oral Inflammation in Elite Sports: A Narrative Review. Sports Med Int Open. 2022;6:E69-E79. doi:10.1055/a-1964-8538
- Okshah A, Vaddamanu SK, et al. The Impact of Bruxism on Athletic Performance: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Int J Sports Med. 2025. doi:10.1055/a-2588-0766
- Gallagher J, Ashley P, et al. Oral health-related behaviours reported by elite and professional athletes. Br Dent J. 2019;227:276-280. doi:10.1038/s41415-019-0617-8
- Walsh NP, Bishop NC, et al. Salivary IgA response to prolonged exercise in a cold environment in trained cyclists. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2002;34(10):1632-1637. PMID:12370565