The prevalence of orofacial pain and tooth fracture (Odontocrexis) associated with SCUBA diving

Jagger, R.G., Shah, C.A., Weerapperuma, I.D. and Jagger, D.C. (2009) The prevalence of orofacial pain and tooth fracture (Odontocrexis) associated with SCUBA diving. Primary Dental Care, 16(2), pp. 75-78. (doi: 10.1308/135576109787909463)

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> To assess the prevalence of orofacial complications associated with SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving. Main outcome measures were prevalence of orofacial pain and odontocrexis. <b>Method:</b> Two hundred divers at four dive centres on the north-east coast of Australia were asked to complete a questionnaire that requested information regarding diving experience and facial pain and dental symptoms experienced during diving. <b>Results:</b> One hundred and twenty-five completed questionnaires were returned (63% response rate). The prevalence of reported orofacial pain was 44%. Twenty-one per cent reported toothache, 27% sinus pain, 16% jaw pain, and 12% other pain. The prevalence of odontocrexis was less than 1%. Less than 1% had lost a filling when diving. No divers reported a crown or bridge being dislodged during diving. <b>Conclusion:</b> Among those who returned questionnaires, orofacial pain in divers was common and odontocrexis was rare.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Jagger, Professor Daryll
• Authors: Jagger, R.G., Shah, C.A., Weerapperuma, I.D., and Jagger, D.C.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RK Dentistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School
• Journal Name: Primary Dental Care
• ISSN: 1355-7610
• ISSN (Online): 1741-9344