INSIGHT INTO HOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AFFECTS ORAL HEALTH AND SALIVARY OXIDATIVE STRESS IN CHILD ATHLETES DURING COMPETITIVE SPORTS

Abstract

Aim of the Study: This research aims to investigate the relationship between participation in competitive sports and oral health among children. Focusing on hockey and football players, the study examines how environmental factors, especially ambient temperature, and physical activities impact oral hygiene, dental decay, periodontal inflammation, and salivary oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: The study involved 173 children aged 6 to 17, including 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 non-athletic controls. Oral health was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S), Decayed/Missing/Filled Teeth (DMF-T), and Papillary-Marginal-Attached Gingival (PMA) Index. Salivary oxidative stress was evaluated through biomarkers such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Data analysis was performed using MedCalc software, adhering to STROBE guidelines and employing chi-squared tests and t-tests for statistical significance. Results: The findings indicate that children engaged in competitive sports show significantly better oral health than the control group. This is evidenced by lower scores in OHI-S, PMA, and DMF-T indices among athletes, suggesting improved oral hygiene and reduced incidence of periodontal disease and dental caries. Additionally, higher levels of GPX and TAC were observed in athletes, indicating a positive impact of sports on managing salivary oxidative stress. However, lower SOD activity was also noted in these children. The study also reveals significant differences in oral health based on age, gender, and type of sport, with older children and males generally exhibiting better outcomes. Conclusions: The study concludes that regular participation in competitive sports like hockey and football positively influences oral health in children. Improved oral hygiene, lower prevalence of dental diseases, and enhanced management of oxidative stress are key benefits observed in young athletes. Despite its limitations such as small sample size and a specific focus on two sports, this research underscores the positive correlation between sports activity and oral health, paving the way for further comprehensive studies in this area.

Keywords

• oral health in athletes
• pediatric dentistry
• salivary oxidative stress
• ambient temperature impact
• antioxidant biomarkers in saliva
• physical activity and oral health
• child athlete oral health
• reactive oxygen species (ros).