The 2nd Symposium on the Role of Oral Health in Sports was conducted yesterday at Aspetar Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital.  Attendees numbering more than 200, included Dentist, Allied Health professionals from inside and outside Qatar.

At the symposium, many topics were discussed relating to sports and the appropriate approach needed when dealing with various types of oral injuries. Recent and cutting-edge techniques offered insight into new ways of managing oral injuries were outlined by various disciplines in Dentistry. Insight into the Qatar’s National Oral Health Plan solidified the importance of awareness as to how oral health can affect athlete’s performance.

The pioneering use of laser in Dentistry for the treatment of oral care and dental injuries as well as the latest techniques being use outlined the use and importance of mouth guards, athlete screening and nutrition.

The Director of Sports Dentistry at Aspetar, Dr. Mohammed Alsaey, said

“Our role is not limited to providing treatment to athletes, we are committed to educating athletes and medical staff at Aspetar.  Staff members located at the Clubs and Federations are educated to be able to identify and treat various oral injuries resulting from trauma.  Sports Dentistry has raised awareness of the dangers and various types of oral trauma and in so doing, has become an integral part of medical disciplines in sports in the world.”

He continues by stating that various studies have also shown the direct relationship between oral health and the overall health of athletes and how oral problems can affect the performance of athletes. 

“Many examples have been observed here in Aspetar with regards to how bacteria from tooth abscesses or gum infection can travel through the blood during circulation which can cause a lack of oxygen reaching the muscles. Thus, a lower oxygen content increases the risk of injuries such as muscles fatigue, strains, convulsions or even muscle tearing.”

Many injuries to athletes are caused by oral infections in the mouth, teeth or even the jaw and it is not possible to comprehend all except through the athlete completing a full medical screening.  All athletes in Qatar undergo a periodical medical screening.

Dr. Mohammed also stressed that,

“results of the periodical test conducted at Aspetar, shows that many injuries suffered by athletes are due to oral health problems, so we made this our focus during the symposium.  With these examinations, a lot of problems are detected in the early stages thereby reducing down time and increasing confidence that this athlete will participate with all his abilities during competition.”