The evaluation of oral and dental health and behavioural risk among ultra-endurance athletes: a cross-sectional epidemiological study

This study assessed for the first time the oral and dental health of ultra-trail athletes. We also confirmed and quantified the scale of their exposure to oral health risk factors. This was a cross-sectional study using data from a survey among runners who enlisted in the 2020 edition of the UT4M races (Ultra-Trail des 4 Massifs). The dental health of 84% of the participants was "good" or "very good". The nutritional intake during effort comprised foods liable to induce tooth decay (energy bars (55%), sugar-rich gels and fruit confectionary (40%)) and snacking was frequent (39%). More than 3/5 of runners saw a dentist for preventive check-ups. The more runners participate in races the more likely they are to have oral hygiene strategies during competitions (aOR = 1.85, p <= 0.05). The oral health of ultra-trail runners is better than that of the average French adult population. Regular dental hygiene and preventive dental consultations appear to counterbalance the risks that we evidenced.