Olympic athletes to get free dental care

Posted by Joanne Mellor

Athletes taking part in the Olympic Games in London this summer are set to receive free dental care during the course of the competition.

A specially constructed Polyclinic has been set up at the Olympic Park in east London so those competing in the contest can get access to oral health checks.

Karen Coates, a dental advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, pointed out sport and energy drinks can have a negative impact on dental health, so it is important that athletes using these products regularly get their teeth and gums checked by specialists.

“Enamel is the hard, protective coating of the tooth and if it is worn away, the dentine underneath becomes exposed and teeth can look discoloured and become sensitive,” she warned.

The Olympic Games officially open in London on Friday night (July 27th), with Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours director Danny Boyle curating the opening ceremony of the event.