TMJ and diving

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Coberry7,

Click the link. I wrote the article for Scubadoc about TMJ and the link connects you to a dental site with even more information.

When you see the length of the article, you will know why I don't want to write it again.

The mouthpiece might exacerbate and existing problem. I doubt that it would be causitive.

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

 

[barbara]

Actually I have been checked out by an orthodontist. I have a bite piece that I wear at night. I am a very calm diver so it isn't that I am nervous. I also have had a surgical procedure about 8years ago which may be contributing to it. Mastoiditis caused me to have some invasive surgery to clear out an abcess behind my ear. They sutured me up kind of tight there and I can get some real fatigue and spasm if my mouth is opened too wide for too long. I have been cleared for diving by my ENT who is a diver also. Cold also affects the problem. I find that a hood actually helps but it's a bit cumbersome in the warmer Florida waters. It seems to stabilize the problem. I would look kind of funny wearing a bikini and a cold water hood at the same time don't ya think? I remember seeing some regulators of days gone by, which utilize a strap which holds the regulator in place. Does anyone know if they are still available? I have also seen a new full face mask which is very cool. I would like that info on the underwater comm masks. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

You sure are a helpful bunch! Oh yeah I just posted my picture today so you can see it on my profile. Just figured it out. It's was taken in the Keys.

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

I think it would be a hoot to see you wearing a bikini and a cold water hood on your head at the same time! Post THAT picture. :mean: Nevermind...I can see where this is going.

The stress I was referring has nothing to do with being a calm diver. It is more a way of coping with day to day stress...job, kids, money, boyfriend or husband, family etc.

The fact that you wear a guard is already a clue that someone else (the orthodontist?) feels that a night splint is appropriate to help your bite. I am assuming that it is a bite guard rather than a retainer.

Older regulators with straps still required that you hold it with your teeth. The DIR set-ups have a second regulator strapped around your neck. I wouldn't expect that the strap will help your TMJ however.

A full face mask could be helpful but expensive. You may find that the full face mask feels strange. It will add some bouyancy. I'll have to let others tell you more about that kind of mask.

The US Divers ComfoBite doesn't require that you use bite tabs so it might be useful. The SeaCure could be helpful if you can establish the proper bite during the molding procedure. The enclosed instructions are not entirely accurate. PM me if you want to know a better way.

Laurence Stein, DDS
:doctor:

BTW, Does your bikini match your hood???=-)

 

[Otter]

barbara once bubbled...
... Oh yeah I just posted my picture today so you can see it on my profile. Just figured it out. It's was taken in the Keys.

I bet Sherwood would love to put your picture on their website as an ad for their BRUT. =-)

 

[Doc Intrepid]

information regarding the mask I was referring to may be found at the link below.

Be advised that the Ocean Reef 'Neptune II' is a new design of full face mask, different from those I've seen previously.

I am not familiar with its characteristics, as I've never dived one.

My LDS is using them to conduct classes in the pool and ocean. Both instructors and the students I've spoken to enjoy using them.

The communications ability is reputed to be far better in the open ocean than in the pool. This is because the principle behind it is 'ultra-sound' rather than a radio frequency. It does not work above water, and in the pool the large number of bubbles in the confined water seem to interfere with communications. It works best in open water.

Check it out here:
http://www.oceanreefgroup.com/system_.htm

As Dr. Stein noted, it is not inexpensive, but its not much more than many of the air integrated computers. These are also sold at Leisure Pro, and can be found on their website.

Regards,

Doc

 

[barbara]

Funny you mention the hood/ bikini thing. I had a boyfriend about 10 years ago who used to insist that I wear a hood all the time while diving. He insisted that it would keep me from getting cold even though we were diving in Florida during the summer months. I got a dive skin once and he bought a lycra hood to go along with it. I fail to see how that skimpy thing would keep me warm but he insisted that I wear it none the less. One time, I actually did wear that hood with my bikini just as a goof. He seemd to really get a kick out of it. I found it handy to keep my hair from going all over the place since it was really long at the time. He said maybe I could start a new underwater fashion for women.

That neptune mask is the same one I saw in a dive shop in the keys. It would probably cost between $400-$500 without the actual communication device. I might have to go that route if this keeps up or just give up scuba and become a free diver.

Just kidding. I would'nt ever want to give up scuba.

That mask kind of makes a person look like a robot but it's better than holding your breath or having this kind of disconfort while diving. I might just have to consider it.

 

[Boogie711]

(OK, small joke, not very funny, I know.)

The point I was trying to awkwardly make is that your second stage is huge. Obviously this is going to contribute to jaw fatigue, no matter whether you have TMJ or not.

I don't like Seacure mouthpieces for reasons I'm not going to get into, but I would recommend two things...

a) Get a smaller second stage. Obviously, the less you have to hang unto with your teeth, the better. Something like the ATX series from Apeks is a great example. Now, I realize that may be expensive (but certainly less expensive than a full face mask.)

b) If not a seacure (which I won't comment on either way) go find a comfo-bite mouthpiece from Aqualung or Apeks. It makes a world of difference - it just sort of hangs there without you having to bite down or anything. Very comfortable.

My brother-in-law has TMJ and swears by the comfobite.

 

[barbara]

Actually, I no longer have a Brut regulator. That was my old one. I now dive with a Mares Abyss.

I have tried the comfort mouth piece and it does help.

 

[jeperry3]

Ive had TMJ problems for years. First few dives I couldn't eat for 2 days after. Switched to Seacure and have had great results.