Oral health, orofacial pain and dysfunction, and orofacial trauma in athletes: a scoping review

BACKGROUND: To provide an extensive overview of the available literature on (i) oral health, (ii) orofacial pain and dysfunction, and (iii) maxillofacial and/or dental trauma in athletes, including their possible associated factors and the impact of oral health and orofacial pain and dysfunction on sport performances and quality of life. METHODS: A literature search was performed up to May 13, 2025. In total, 4520 articles were found, of which 55 were included in this scoping review. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: (i) all studies about athletes and sports; (ii) information on oral health-related factors (viz., oral hygiene, periodontal problems, dental caries, dental erosion, painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD), TMD dysfunction, bruxism, muscle output, soft dental tissue trauma, hard dental tissue trauma, trauma related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), miscellaneous orofacial trauma, sports performance, and quality of life); (iii) cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, case–control studies, case-reports, qualitative studies, and randomized clinical trials; and (iv) no language restrictions. RESULTS: Athletes exhibit a high prevalence of oral health conditions, with dental caries affecting 20–56% of athletes. Soft tissue lacerations and fractures of the maxillary central incisors were the most commonly reported maxillofacial and/or dental trauma. CONCLUSION: Poor oral health was frequently found among athletes. Oral diseases are associated with a decline in sports performance and an impaired quality of life. On the other hand, stress responses influenced by personality traits and coping mechanisms can also be a possible risk factor for (re)injuries.