Abstract
Aim: 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.
Method: 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.
Conclusion: Among those who returned questionnaires, orofacial
pain in divers was common and odontocrexis was rare.
| Translated title of the contribution | The Prevalence of Orofacial Pain and Tooth Fracture (Odontocrexis) associated with SCUBA diving |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Pages (from-to) | 75 - 78 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Primary Dental Care |
| Volume | 16 |
| Publication status | Published - 2009 |