Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 28, 2026

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Online Gamers
Published on: November 9, 2019
Gaming at a cost: oral disease burden in competitive esports athletes
Sunil Kumar Vaddamanu1, Abdulmajeed Okshah2, Bhavana T Veerabasavaiah3
1Department of Allied Dental Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia. snu@kku.edu.sa.
Abstract:
Competitive esports participation involves prolonged screen exposure, irregular dietary habits, and high cognitive demands, which may be associated with oral health-related behaviours and outcomes. Evidence addressing oral health in this emerging population remains limited. This cross-sectional study included 312 competitive esports athletes and 312 age- and socioeconomic status-matched non-gaming controls aged 16-32 years. Participants completed validated questionnaires assessing oral hygiene practices, dietary behaviours, and perceived stress. Clinical oral examinations evaluated dental caries (DMFT), periodontal status (CPI), erosive tooth wear (BEWE), and bruxism-related symptoms. Salivary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were analyzed in a predefined subgroup (n = 100). Competitive esports athletes demonstrated lower adherence to recommended oral hygiene practices and a higher prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, erosive tooth wear, and bruxism-related symptoms compared with controls (p < 0.001). Salivary oxidative stress and inflammatory marker concentrations were also higher among esports athletes. Competitive esports athletes exhibited distinct oral health behaviours, clinical indicators, and salivary biomarker profiles compared with non-gaming peers, highlighting the potential relevance of oral health assessment within health monitoring frameworks for competitive digital sports.
Related Concept Videos
The Oral Microbiota
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV
Amebiasis
Bulimia Nervosa
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
