Athletes have specific nutritional requirements and eating patterns which may increase their risk of some dental problems. Dental health plays an important role in general health, and for athletes any deterioration in dental health may translate into a dip in performance levels and time off training or competition.
We’re here to support you with everything from general dental care and trauma management, to preventive care that’s tailored to your needs as a sportsperson.
It goes without saying, that prevention is always favourable to cure, and we understand that being a keen sportsperson or professional athlete presents unique challenges when it comes to keeping problems like tooth decay and gum disease at bay. We can offer tailored support on how to manage the sugar in your diet (particularly from the consumption of energy drinks and electrolyte drinks) and outline the roles fluoride and mouth rinses play in keeping your teeth decay-free.
Investing time into caring for your teeth by attending routine appointments will help you stay at the top of your game. During your dentist and hygienist appointments with us, we will advise you on when to visit next depending on the health of your teeth, and spot problems such as cavities and tooth wear early and prevent them from progressing and harming your sporting trajectory.
Sustaining a dental-related injury during your sports career can be tough, both physically and emotionally. Traumatic injuries to the mouth can also cause symptoms like headaches and jaw aches and it’s crucial to address these straight away. Bespoke restorations like bridges, crowns, tooth bonding and veneers can help restore tooth function, so you can perform to the best of your ability in your sport, Meanwhile bespoke sports mouth guards can protect your teeth from the risk of serious injury in the future. These are particularly important if you take part in contact sports and will protect your teeth significantly more than over-the-counter sports mouthguards which are uniform in size and therefore not able to absorb impact effectively.
Here at Linden Dental, we’ve cultivated a reputation as experts in sports dentistry. Principal dentist at the practice Mark Shimmin has a background in rowing and has worked with athletes competing at school level, right through to Olympic level. We’re very proud to work closely with several members of the GB Rowing team, supporting them with the evolving dental care needs. It’s always great to see our patients achieving great things, and supporting them with their dental care is what we do best.
“Training full time for international rowing since 2007 definitely put my body under stress. I hadn’t realised it had taken its toll on my teeth as well. Eating and drinking high calorie foods throughout the day had left me requiring quite a bit of work! Fortunately Sally and Mark at Linden Dental were able to fix my teeth at times that suited me, always going an extra mile to ensure the best work and care possible.
Since visiting Linden I have had no further dental problems as Mark taught me how best to care for my teeth, and it has made such a big difference! It’s hard to imagine a more welcoming practice, and as a result Linden now looks after the dental needs of many members of the GB Rowing Team.”
Chris Bartley
Olympic Silver Medalist LM4- London 2012
“"I have been a patient at the Linden Dental Surgery for some years and have no hesitation in recommending their service. One feels completely relaxed…”
“"I have been a patient since Mark and Sally took over the previous practice in 1993 and what a breath of fresh air they and…”
“"My family and I have used Linden Dental Surgery for over 10 years. Although I am a very nervous patient, all the staff there make…”
“"A friendly environment created by all members of the team at Linden Dental Surgery, makes it a very pleasant place to visit for your dental…”
“"A clean, professional and prompt service at Linden Surgery! Sally and the team are so welcoming, it is by far the best experience I’ve had…”
“"I have been coming to Linden for 10-15+ years now, and have been seeing Jonathan since the beginning. The team are all incredible. So polite…”
“"Linden is a jewel of a dental surgery..I've had a few of the surgeons work on my teeth over the years all absolutely brilliant...but the…”
“"Caring & Professional. Sally and her team always go the extra mile. Just visited last friday and felt very safe with all of the precautions…”
“"Fantastic staff at Linden Dental! Even with all the anxieties in the current pandemic they were able to get me an appointment and provide me…”
“"I have been going to Linden Dental Surgery for many years now, and Sally and her team have always been very welcoming and professional. There…”
“"I have used the Linden Dental Surgery since they opened 25 years ago and now my husband and children use them too. They have always,…”
“"This dental practice is a real find; the jewel in the crown. I can't speak highly enough of all the staff I have met; receptionists,…”
“"We have always found everyone at Linden Dental, kind, caring and brilliant at putting our (often nervous) young children at ease. The relaxing and friendly…”
“"Wonderful dental practice. Have had many treatments here over the years and am always greeted with the warmest of welcomes. Everyone is lovely from receptionists…”
“"I have used Linden dental surgery most of my adult life and bought both of my children here. The service is first class and the…”
“"I have been visiting this surgery for most of my life, there are many closer, but I am more than happy to make the journey…”
“"I have been with this surgery for over 20 years and I have never had cause for complaint. Everyone from the wonderful receptionists, dental nurses,…”
“"All the dentists are polite and professional . Great if like me you are petrified of going -advice always clear and helpful."”
