08/10/2026
Nike Melbourne Marathon Fest Melb Marathon Runners this weekend, we see you — don’t skip your oral health prep!
Research on endurance athletes links long-distance training with more tooth decay and erosion:
🦷 Endurance athletes show about twice the tooth erosion seen in young people (59% vs 20–25%), and decay in around 46% of athletes studied¹
🦷 More weekly training hours were linked to higher decay scores in endurance athletes than in non-athletes²
🦷 Researchers point to a dry mouth from heavy breathing, plus frequent sugary gels and acidic drinks, as likely contributors¹
Small habits take care of your mouth: rinse with water after gels and drinks, chew sugar-free gum on long runs, and don’t skip the proper evening clean post-race or training.
Exercise is good for you, so never stop. Just take care of your mouth so when the endorphins kick in, that smile is taken care of.
Sources
Needleman I, Gallagher J, Ashley P. What do we know about elite athlete oral health? Br Dent J. 2026;240:217–222. doi:10.1038/s41415-025-8909-7
Frese C, et al. Effect of endurance training on dental erosion, caries, and saliva. Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2015. doi:10.1111/sms.12266