The prevalence of orofacial pain and tooth fracture (odontocrexis) associated with SCUBA diving.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Among those who returned questionnaires, orofacial pain in divers was common and odontocrexis was rare.
Division of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. r.jagger@bristol.ac.uk
Robert G
RG
Jagger
Chand A
CA
Shah
Indika D
ID
Weerapperuma
Daryll C
DC
Jagger
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001469:Barotrauma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult