The benefits of physical activities conducted systematically on the harmonious development, intellectual performance, and general health of children are unanimously accepted. This study's aim is to determine whether differences in oral health between young athletes and children not engaged in competitive sports are present. A total of 173 children aged between 6 and 17 years, 58 hockey players, 55 football players, and 60 in the control group were divided into groups according to their activity, age, and biological sex and examined for oral hygiene and dental and periodontal health, using clinically determined indices. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the groups, with lower (better) values for athletes, regardless of age, sex, or activity. Oral hygiene showed the most relevant differences for males aged 14 to 17, as did the index for dental health. Periodontal health, on the other hand, was significantly better for females aged 6 to 13. Based on this data, the beneficial influence of regular physical activity also has an impact on oral health. Identifying the mechanisms behind this needs to be explored in depth and may be a topic for further research.
Keywords: DMF-T; OHI; PMA; football; hockey; oral health; physical activity; sports dentistry.