New research has shown that scuba diving could have a dramatic effect on people’s teeth, according to a new study. The research, undertaken by staff at Buffalo University, showed that forty percent of people engaging in scuba diving activities have reported issues with their teeth and jaw.
Before embarking on any scuba diving activity, a medical examination is required, however, this does not include any checks to oral or dental health. Lead author of the study paper, Vinisha Ranna, was quoted in the Daily Mail, “Considering the air supply regulator is held in the mouth, any disorder in the oral cavity can potentially increase the diver’s risk of injury.”
Inexperienced divers can often clench their jaw while underwater, due to the cold temperatures, which can cause an array of issues from jaw pain, lost fillings, or loose crowns. Water pressure also plays a role, as this can cause pockets of air to build up around the roots of the teeth, potentially leading to broken molars, in some cases shattering teeth completely. It is advised that anyone wishing to undertake recreational scuba diving should seek advice from their dentist beforehand, to avoid any potential issues.