Cricket legend and India’s Head Coach Rahul Dravid has highlighted the powerful link between oral health and peak athletic performance in a recent episode of Breakfast with Champions. Drawing from his on-field experience, Dravid said that modern competitive sport is increasingly defined by “1% margins,” where attention to the smallest lifestyle habits — including oral hygiene — can influence outcomes.
Dravid cited the example of FC Barcelona coach Hansi Flick, who made oral health check-ups mandatory for his athletes, signalling a global shift in viewing oral care as performance fuel rather than just hygiene. “If you’re going to look after yourself as a professional athlete, you’ve got to look after your oral health as well,” Dravid noted, adding that even seemingly small factors can affect an athlete’s focus, stamina and overall performance.
Encouraging proactive oral care, Dravid said proper dental hygiene helps eliminate avoidable discomforts that could hinder performance, reinforcing the idea: Prevent Problems. Perform Better. His message reiterates that oral health is now gaining recognition as a silent yet essential contributor to an athlete’s competitive edge.