Big toothache on British pitches

Rotten molars, gum disease common problems for some of the world's highest-paid players

Nearly 40 percent of professional soccer players in Britain have rotted teeth, in some cases serious enough to affect performance on the pitch, according to a new study.

Soccer players may make huge amounts of money, but little of it seems to go to dental care. On average, their teeth and gums are in worse shape than their British age peers, it said.