TMJ and diving
- Thread starter barbara
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Bob3
Contributor
That sounds like something you'd better have checked out, probably by an ENT.
You're not supposed to be hurting that bad
You're not supposed to be hurting that bad
Bob's right, step 1 is a visit to a specialist.
If you are a newer diver it could be that tension or anxiety are contributing to the problem. Relaxation techniques may be effective.
If the problem is persistent, however, there are other options.
My LDS just got in a brand new line of full face masks that are extremely nice, well-designed, and look pretty interesting. As a bonus, they offer U/W communications should you want to consider that option. I don't recall the name off-hand, but if you're interested PM me and I'll get the manufacturer's information to you.
Best of luck. Regards,
Doc
If you are a newer diver it could be that tension or anxiety are contributing to the problem. Relaxation techniques may be effective.
If the problem is persistent, however, there are other options.
My LDS just got in a brand new line of full face masks that are extremely nice, well-designed, and look pretty interesting. As a bonus, they offer U/W communications should you want to consider that option. I don't recall the name off-hand, but if you're interested PM me and I'll get the manufacturer's information to you.
Best of luck. Regards,
Doc
RICHinNC
Contributor
I am not a doctor....dont even play one on tv....i havent even stayed at a holiday inn express
but what i have done is switch to a SeaCure mouth piece and my sore jaw problem went away.....
but what i have done is switch to a SeaCure mouth piece and my sore jaw problem went away.....
diver_paula
Contributor
I agree you should see a specialist in case it's something medical.
But, I must also concur with Rich in that a different mouthpiece may help. I use a comfobite mouthpiece and hardly bite down. In fact, I find that when I'm using a snorkel I get water in my mouth because I'm so used to not biting hard on my reg.
Good luck figuring it out and finding pain free diving.
Paula
But, I must also concur with Rich in that a different mouthpiece may help. I use a comfobite mouthpiece and hardly bite down. In fact, I find that when I'm using a snorkel I get water in my mouth because I'm so used to not biting hard on my reg.
Good luck figuring it out and finding pain free diving.
Paula
Ditto on the SeaCure. I swear by them.
I sent one of my students to an ENT for ear clearing problems. I do not know how well an ENT would be for jaw issues. Perhaps an orthodontist or a dentist would be better?
By the way, before I send any one of my students to a doctor for a dive related issue, I ask them to make sure that the doctor they choose is knowledgeable of diver related issues. Preferably the doctor is a diver.
By the way, The SeaCure was created by an orthodontist.
If I do not use mine my jaw feels all out of whack. Usually my lower jaw feels farther back and not aligned with my upper jaw. I do not have this issue with a SeaCure.
Also, I have had the same SeaCure for 8 years. It works. Better than the braces I used to wear!!
Just my experiences!
Good Luck!
I sent one of my students to an ENT for ear clearing problems. I do not know how well an ENT would be for jaw issues. Perhaps an orthodontist or a dentist would be better?
By the way, before I send any one of my students to a doctor for a dive related issue, I ask them to make sure that the doctor they choose is knowledgeable of diver related issues. Preferably the doctor is a diver.
By the way, The SeaCure was created by an orthodontist.
If I do not use mine my jaw feels all out of whack. Usually my lower jaw feels farther back and not aligned with my upper jaw. I do not have this issue with a SeaCure.
Also, I have had the same SeaCure for 8 years. It works. Better than the braces I used to wear!!
Just my experiences!
Good Luck!
RICHinNC
Contributor
Goodness Gracious!!!! A WOMAN agreed with me....(and a cutie too !!!)... I have to go mark my calendar.
It's time 'Lizabeth....Im coming....into the light...walk into the light.....
Sorry....seldom happens....
It's time 'Lizabeth....Im coming....into the light...walk into the light.....
Sorry....seldom happens....
Laurence Stein DDS
Medical Moderator
Hi Barbara,
You've been given some good advice already. TMJ symptoms resulting from the regulator often is a sign that your jaws are already fatigued for other reasons. You don't necessarily have to have TMJ Syndrome but you most probably clench your teeth and the added fatigue created by clencing on the regulator causes symptoms.
I would like to bet that even when you aren't diving, you might complain of stiffness or tireness of the jaws upon awakening. Inability to keep your mouth open even a few minutes during dental visits or if chewing gum. Inability to open as wide as you want. Popping or clicking of the jaws upon wide opening. Possible tension headaches. These are all guesses on my part but they usually go along with your complaint.
Try this link to Dive Medicine Online for more information about this condition.
http://scuba-doc.com/lkdjw.html
The SeaCure regulator bite is quite useful...IF...fabricated the correct way. The instruction are rather rudimentary with regards to the proper way to achieve the "proper" bite. One trick is to gently pull downward on the button of your chin while closing into the warm bite. This tends to "seat" the jaw into the joint better. If you are experiencing pain at the time you are molding the bite, there is a better chance that the resultant mouthpiece will have registered a pathologic position of the jaw and actually cause more problems.
I use this type of bite myself. Be aware that this device has different orifice diameters depending on the type of regulator. Check with your LDS.
You should have your dentist check your bite or refer you to someone who can help.
Regards,
Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:
Disclaimer
(No representations are made that in any way offer a diagnosis, treatment or cure for any illness or condition, either discussed or implied. Answers to questions are offered as information only and should always be used in conjunction with advice from your personal diving physician/dentist. I take no responsibility for any conceivable consequence, which might be related to any visit to this site.)
You've been given some good advice already. TMJ symptoms resulting from the regulator often is a sign that your jaws are already fatigued for other reasons. You don't necessarily have to have TMJ Syndrome but you most probably clench your teeth and the added fatigue created by clencing on the regulator causes symptoms.
I would like to bet that even when you aren't diving, you might complain of stiffness or tireness of the jaws upon awakening. Inability to keep your mouth open even a few minutes during dental visits or if chewing gum. Inability to open as wide as you want. Popping or clicking of the jaws upon wide opening. Possible tension headaches. These are all guesses on my part but they usually go along with your complaint.
Try this link to Dive Medicine Online for more information about this condition.
http://scuba-doc.com/lkdjw.html
The SeaCure regulator bite is quite useful...IF...fabricated the correct way. The instruction are rather rudimentary with regards to the proper way to achieve the "proper" bite. One trick is to gently pull downward on the button of your chin while closing into the warm bite. This tends to "seat" the jaw into the joint better. If you are experiencing pain at the time you are molding the bite, there is a better chance that the resultant mouthpiece will have registered a pathologic position of the jaw and actually cause more problems.
I use this type of bite myself. Be aware that this device has different orifice diameters depending on the type of regulator. Check with your LDS.
You should have your dentist check your bite or refer you to someone who can help.
Regards,
Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:
Disclaimer
(No representations are made that in any way offer a diagnosis, treatment or cure for any illness or condition, either discussed or implied. Answers to questions are offered as information only and should always be used in conjunction with advice from your personal diving physician/dentist. I take no responsibility for any conceivable consequence, which might be related to any visit to this site.)
Good stuff, Dr. Stein! I'm glad we had a DDS post on this issue.
Barbara, I second what Dr. Stein said. SeaCure mouthpieces are not designed for every regulator. Look on the back of the package to determine what SeaCure you should buy. (Also, you MUST know the model and year of your regulator.)
Comfy diving!
Dr. Stein, what is TMJ? Does wearing a standard mouthpiece simulate symptoms of TMJ, or exacerbate them? I'm curious so that I know what to do if I ever encounter a TMJ situation with any of my students. Do I refer them them to a Dentist, Orthodontist, ???
Thank you for your input.
Colin Berry
Barbara, I second what Dr. Stein said. SeaCure mouthpieces are not designed for every regulator. Look on the back of the package to determine what SeaCure you should buy. (Also, you MUST know the model and year of your regulator.)
Comfy diving!
Dr. Stein, what is TMJ? Does wearing a standard mouthpiece simulate symptoms of TMJ, or exacerbate them? I'm curious so that I know what to do if I ever encounter a TMJ situation with any of my students. Do I refer them them to a Dentist, Orthodontist, ???
Thank you for your input.
Colin Berry
diver_paula
Contributor
Uhhhh.... Thanks for the compliment. I think.
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