The Tooth About Footballers
Footballers are so much more than athletes or sports personalities, and these days it isn’t uncommon to see male footballers gracing the cover of a glossy magazine. With so much pressure to remain looking good while under the scrutinising gaze of fans and pundits, is it really all that surprising that so many contemporary male footballers are upping their game when it comes to their teeth? What may be surprising is that a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that athletes, including footballers, have worse teeth than most of the general population. Dental experts believe this could be because of excessive intake of sugary energy drinks and sugary foods. Take a look at some of the footballers that have been the victim of some fancy foot work gone awry, or that were already in need of some dental attention before they even stepped onto the pitch.
Ronaldhino
This is a man that likes to smile, so it wasn’t long before the public noticed that Ronaldhino’s teeth were somewhat crooked and in need of professional attention. Yet it took the world-famous Brazilian football player a little longer to realise that his smile could look even better with some cosmetic help, and in 2013 a video of the player undergoing dental surgery was released. The procedure was reported to have lasted just one hour and cost approximately £36,000. Although the now retired player could afford such an amount, one does have to wonder whether if he had a little more patience, he could have opted for the more affordable option of clear braces to straighten his teeth.
Christian Ronaldo
When Ronaldo was just 18 years old and playing for Manchester United, the footballer’s teeth were crooked and discoloured. At this time, Ronaldo did have ceramic braces fitted, which are discreet and fast-acting. Unlike fellow footballer Ronaldhino, it appears Ronaldo opted for a less expensive route with his ceramic braces and follow-up procedures. It is not clear precisely what dental procedures Ronald received, but it is though that he had at least one tooth implant, teeth whitening, and gum surgery to lengthen the appearance of his teeth.
Josh Cullen
This West Ham United midfielder was the unfortunate victim of a kick to the mouth, courtesy of Shrewsbury Town’s Abugogo during a game in 2018. As a result of this high boot to the face, one of Cullen’s incisors was kicked from his mouth. Fortunately, quick thinking West Ham team doctor, Richard Weiler managed to locate the tooth which was later replaced at hospital. However, this is not the first time the exact same tooth has found itself under attack and it was loosened during a game in 2016. Although Cullen has since received extensive surgery on the tooth to give it more a fighting chance of remaining in place during a match, it may be worth the footballer having an emergency dentist on stand-by just in case.
