In the latest episode of the Next ReGeneration podcast, hosts Anina and Elena welcome Ian Needleman, Professor of Periodontology and Healthcare Research at UCL Eastman Dental Institute in London, UK. A passionate runner himself, Needleman has devoted substantial research to exploring the oral health of athletes and its impact on their performance and overall well-being.

Needleman shares fascinating insights from his assessments of athletes' oral health during the London 2012 Olympic Games. His studies consistently reveal that elite athletes frequently suffer from poor oral health, a phenomenon observed across both developing and developed nations. Although the exact mechanisms linking oral health to sports performance are not yet fully understood, inflammation seems to be a key factor. Needleman's research underscores that enhancing oral health can significantly boost athletic performance.