Influence of wearing a scuba diving mouthpiece on the stomatognathic system - considerations for mouthpiece design

Primary headaches in scuba divers and the effect of temporomandibular dysfunction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of episodic primary headaches (EPH) and temporomandibular dysfunction's (TMD) effect in experienced scuba divers.

METHODS

A form consisting of the Fonseca Anamnestic Index and a structured headache questionnaire was sent to individuals using social media platforms.

RESULTS

A total of 132 divers and 104 non-divers were included the study. In male divers, EPH and TMD were not different from the non-diver group (p = 0.1, p = 0.1), and TMD had an effect on increasing the possibility of migraine (OR = 2.5, p = 0.04). In female divers, the possibility of EPH and TMD were also lower (OR = 0.1, p < 0.001, OR = 0.2, p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Scuba diving does not pose a risk for EPH or TMD in either gender. TMD treatment in male divers is important for uncontrolled migraine attacks.

Barodontalgia and Dental Barotrauma Among Scuba Divers

INTRODUCTION: Barometric pressure variation during dives may induce barodontalgia and barotrauma. Barodontalgia refers to oral pain resulting from a change in ambient pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of barodontalgia and dental barotrauma among French civilian scuba divers.METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional internet-based survey was conducted among French scuba divers over 18 yr of age registered by the French Federation of Underwater Sports (FFESSM). The online questionnaire was distributed from October to December 2020. It contained questions regarding general characteristics of participants, barodontalgia and dental barotrauma occurrences, and relationship of the diver with his/her dentist.RESULTS: There were 684 scuba divers (65.4% men; aged 48 ± 12 yr) who participated in the study. Barodontalgia was reported by 18.7%, with some respondents reporting more than one episode. Most barodontalgia affected posterior (81.2%) and upper teeth (55.2%) with dental filling (50.0%). At least one dental barotrauma was reported by 10.1% of respondents, including mainly loss or fracture of a dental filling (4.2%). The occurrence of dental barotrauma was significantly higher among men (12.3%) than women (5.9%) and increased significantly with the age, the years of diving and the diving qualification.CONCLUSION: Information should be provided to divers on the importance of routine dental checkups.Kougeon K, Yasukawa K, Baudet A. Barodontalgia and dental barotrauma among scuba divers. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(5):421-425.

Prevalence of dental problems in recreational SCUBA divers: a pilot survey

Objective To determine the prevalence of dental symptoms in recreational scuba divers and describe the distribution of these symptoms on the basis of diver demographics, diving qualifications and dive conditions during the episode of dental pain.Design A survey was designed and distributed through online social media platforms dedicated to scuba diving. A convenience sample of 100 recreational divers was obtained by this method.Main outcome measures The outcome measures of interest were: diver demographics, diving characteristics (level of certification, number of dives completed), occurrence of dental problems during a dive, and details of the episode.Results Forty-one percent of the respondents experienced dental symptoms during a dive. Barodontalgia was the most frequently experienced dental symptom during a dive.Conclusion Within the limits of the small sample size and online method of recruitment, the findings of this study suggest that a high proportion of recreational divers may experience dental symptoms during a dive. It would be meaningful to ensure that dental decay and damaged restorations are addressed before a dive and that the mouthpiece design be evaluated in case of complaints of temporomandibular discomfort during a dive.