Scuba diving is swimming underwater with the help of breathing tools. The word scuba is an acronym for self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
If you are a person who would love to explore the underwater ocean then this adventure might be a worthy experience. But you must be well aware of the risks that are associated with this diving, especially when it comes to oral health. That is why it is extremely important to make sure that your oral health is in top-notch condition for a smooth diving experience.
Dental Implications Of Scuba Diving
Scuba diving has many implications that can negatively impact the health of your teeth. The immense pressure change that your body experiences during the dive might take a really hard toll on your teeth. Plus you have to constantly hold the breathing device in your mouth which may also cause issues. We will dive into some of the major dental complications that scuba divers generally experience.
➡ Dental Barodontalgia
Dental barodontalgia denotes the pain caused by intense pressure changes. This pain is caused due to the pressure difference affecting the dental pulp or the surrounding tissues of the teeth. And for individuals who have preexisting conditions, this may make it even worse. The symptoms are sharp or dull pain, and that varies with the existing condition that an individual has.
➡ Dental Barotrauma
Dental Barotrauma also known as tooth squeeze is a teeth condition caused by the intense change in pressure while under the water. Barotrauma indicates all major teeth issues caused by the pressure not only on the teeth but the surrounding parts as well. Dental Barotrauma includes fracture to the teeth, restoration due to pressure changes as well as the pain associated with barodontalgia.
The pressure levels can cause the air trapped in the cavities or fillings to expand and contract. This can cause extreme pain and discomfort and in worst cases a tooth fracture. The pain intensifies at the ascent because the pressure decreases rapidly. If you have any untreated cavities, incomplete root canals, or any poorly done dental work then things may get a bit more stressful.
➡ Mouthpiece Related Conditions
Using a mouthpiece for extended hours may cause certain discomfort and dental conditions. Pressure changes in the ascent and descent, clenching the mouthpiece, and using an ill-fitted mouthpiece may also contribute to exacerbating the symptoms. This specific condition is called Diver’s Mouth Syndrome. This syndrome is a terminology for dental health issues faced by the prolonged use of mouthpieces.
The common symptoms include jaw pain and discomfort that comes with using the mouthpiece for extended periods and tooth pain, especially in the molars. Some people also experience irritation in the gums as well as bleeding.
How Do You Treat Scuba Diving Syndrome Teeth Damage?
Treatment options will be recommended by the dentists themselves based on the condition and severity. As a part of immediate treatment, you can take pain medications to counteract pain and discomfort. Cold compress is also a great idea to alleviate pain. If you feel like the pain is unbearable then stop the diving and consult with your doctor. Your dentist will look out for cavities, loose crowns or fillings, or jaw issues.
If the physical examination has not given any clear indication of the source of pain they may ask you to get an X-ray for further evaluation and treatment process. The existing cavities will be filled, any poorly done dental works will be corrected and unfinished root canals will be done to prevent any future complications.
Conclusion
Scuba diving is a very interesting activity to do if you are into the ocean and all the magic it hides within. But there are some complications that come with this activity and one among them is dental health issues. So many divers experience some sort of pain or discomfort in their teeth or jaw and it might be due to factors like pressure changes, clenching mouthpieces, etc.
So to prevent any such painful situation make sure that you are following good dental hygiene and taking care of your oral health. Consult with your doctor and see that everything is fine with your teeth and you are all set to go. Prevention is always better than cure so make sure to take precautions.
FAQs
Yes. Scuba diving can actually affect your dental health. Many factors may contribute to this. The pressure changes and the use of a mouthpiece are major ones.
It is quite normal to experience toothache while scuba diving. The pressure changes that your body has to handle during the ascent and descent take a good toll on your oral health. Plus holding the mouthpiece may also cause tension and pain in your teeth and jaws.
First and foremost is timely intervention by an expert. Take yourself to a dentist and they will suggest the right treatment option for you. Doctors may suggest a root canal, adjusting dental restoration, etc depending on the conditions. You may be also advised to take pain medications
If you had simple extractions, then a one to 2 week wait is enough. For wisdom teeth removal a waiting period of 4 to 6 weeks is advised. After dental implant procedures, a wait for a minimum of 2 months might be suggested. For more invasive procedures it might take over 6 months. But make sure that you are talking with your doctor and adhere to their instructions before planning on a scuba diving section if you are undergoing any dental procedures.
The most common dental complication is tooth squeeze or barodontalgia. Many divers experienced pain due to the pressure changes.
