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Correlation Between the Oral Microbiota and Sports Practice: A Systematic Review.
Margaux Dubois1,2,3, Bérangère Delcourt2, Morgane Ortis1
1Laboratory of Oral Microbiology, Immunotherapy, and Health, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, FRA.
Cureus
|March 3, 2025
Summary
Athletes show distinct oral microbiota compared to non-athletes, with changes in specific bacterial genera. However, the exact impact of sports on these oral microbiome variations requires further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sports Science
- Oral Health
Background:
- Extensive research indicates sports negatively impact oral health.
- The specific composition and effects of the oral microbiota in athletes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential correlation between athletic activity and alterations in the oral microbiota.
- To analyze current scientific evidence on sports and oral microbiome changes.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive electronic literature search up to November 2024 in PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus.
- Two independent reviewers assessed study selection, data extraction, and bias using NIH tools.
- Screened 147 records, including five eligible studies.
Main Results:
- Athletes exhibit a distinctive oral microbial composition compared to sedentary individuals.
- Three studies showed increased genera (Rothia, Stenotrophomonas, Veillonella) and decreased Gemella in athletes.
- Four studies indicated modifications in the Streptococcus genus in athletes.
Conclusions:
- The oral microbiota of athletes is demonstrably modified.
- Current evidence is insufficient to definitively determine the impact of sports on these oral microbiome variations.
- Further homogeneous, low-bias studies are necessary to understand the sports-oral microbiota link.
