I raced in the Tempe Tri last weekend and had a lousy performance, despite being in good shape, well rested, etc. I have had a tooth problem for a while and go in for a root canal today. I know there is an infection and that my body is fighting it. Does anybody know what impact this could have on performance?
It can have a pretty big impact. Not to mention that tooth infections might originate pericarditis and cause permanent heart damage.
oh, god, now he’s a dentist 
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I’m being serious… how was your F1 duathlon?
pretty good, not great (4th ag - by 30 seconds!/33rd oa). but considering the amount i’ve been training, i’m pretty happy. i’m now ready to bump up my hours in my final push to the 1/2 in 8 weeks. thanks for asking.
don’t worry, i still have your number…
Gee, like I asked because in 8 weeks we’ll be working together…
lol!
Viridans bacteria from tooth abcesses usually cause endocarditis. Either way, it’s not good. Get your teeth fixed.
Andrew … i agree w/ SAC. I had a root canal schedule for 1 week after an Ironman in 2000. I was doing the IM race on short notice amd minimal IM training. Leading up to the race i felt good during most of my sessions, a little fatigueb but struggled with the last 25% of longer rides & runs. I freshened up for the race, had a good swim and OK loop 1 of the bike. On loop 2 i was sooo tired, didn’t feel well, no power, it got hot and i got a little dry and limped into T2 just trashed … pulled my only DNF and hung out w/ an IV for awhile.
Anyhow … went home and got my root canal and they found it was pretty infected. A few days later i ventured for a long ride, felt great and had wonderful training/racing for the next 3 months!
Answering your question … MAJOR impact!
Good luck and feel better!
not a dentist here but I would suggest that for best results (speaking from personal experience- i have had my share of dental visits to say the least) it might be wise to visit a mercury free and/or holistic dentist for all your dental needs.
There was a similar thread on this:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=48185;search_string=search_string;guest=3636847#48185
This thread just scared the shit out of me, especially with DR SAC’s comments, ive got the same problem and was wondering the same thing, I HATE DENTISTS and I HATE NEEDLES, thats the main reason why Ive put this off, but I guess ive gotta go now, Damn
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I am a mercury-free dentist in Vancouver, WA. Yes, an abcess or dental infection can have a major impact on your performance. Look at the stories above. When your body is trying to fight off an infection it directly effects your ability to recover. Whether that is from a training session or to the next event. Your body systems must be working at optimal levels for you to be able to ask them to perform at a high althletic level.
If there is anyone else out there that has scheduled their root canal conveniently after their next race, re-schedule it for before. Do not wait. If it is done properly you will ready to go within a few days.
Rant over. Good luck.
Lance