Modern football is a game of fine margins.
It just may be that the key to lifting the World Cup trophy this summer isn't just talent or tactics – it's toothaches.
A study from the UK revealed that oral pain and infections can slash performance goals by 26%.
And despite their peak physical condition, elite athletes often have worse oral health than the general public. Read about the challenges of sports dentistry here.
Intense mouth-breathing dries out protective saliva, while constant sugary gels and sports drinks create an acid bath that enamel can't fight alone.
Will the team with the best prevention strategy win?
Imagine it's the 90th minute of the final, and your star player goes down. Are you ready to step up?
It’s not only the athletes in the UK who underestimate the importance of oral health.
More than half of the country’s children are lying about their toothbrushing habits.
