Racing followers warned Grand National could also be dangerous for his or her enamel as nerves get to punters
Dentists might have to deal with extra poor dental health in April as nervous punters grind their teeth and bite their nails watching the Grand National next week
Racing fans have been warned the Grand National could ruin their gnashers.
Dentists are braced to have to deal with a dose of damage as nervous punters grind their teeth and bite their nails watching next on April 5’s big race. Fans’ anxious habits as they pray for a winner often can cause major tooth problems.
Dentist Dr Rizwan Mahmood said: “We’ve seen scores of patients dealing with stress-related dental problems. Many of them admit it gets worse during key sporting events. Fans don’t often realise the impact their emotional investment in these events can have on their teeth and oral health.
“There will be spectators who unknowingly grind their teeth or lock their jaw during intense races, especially if they’ve had a flutter.
“The long-term effects can be quite serious.
“Biting your nails places pressure on your teeth which can lead to chipping, cracking or even shifting of the teeth.
“It also increases the risk of transferring bacteria from your nails to your mouth, potentially causing infections.’’
A global TV audience of at least 600 million is expected to tune in to watch the race.
Around 60,000 are expected to descend on Aintree, Merseyside, to watch the action live.
All of them are expected to bet at least £1 on the outcome – triggering a potential dental disaster.
According to NHS data stress and anxiety are the most common causes of teeth grinding.
The habit is a natural reaction to stressful situations as the brain activates our `fight or flight’ response, causing muscles – including those in the jaw – to tense up.
Dr Mahmood, co-founder of Ruh Dental, has seen extreme cases where sports fans have chewed the inside of their mouth or even bit their tongue while watching from the stands.
He said: “This can lead to painful mouth ulcers or sores as constant biting irritates the soft tissues inside the mouth.
“These ulcers can take time to heal and if the habit continues it can become a chronic issue that disrupts daily life.’’
A spokesman for the private practice, which has clinics in London and Manchester, said: “Passionate Grand National fans are being warned not to fall at the first hurdle during the world famous race and suffer a dental mare.
“That’s because high-stake events like horseracing whip up supporters into a rollercoaster of emotions while watching their favourite fillies compete.’’
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