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.
Jagger
Robert G
RG
Division of Restorative Dentistry, Department of Oral and Dental Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK. r.jagger@bristol.ac.uk
Shah
Chand A
CA
Weerapperuma
Indika D
ID
Jagger
Daryll C
DC
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