Is Diver’s Mouth Syndrome Real?

When the summer comes almost four million individuals in the US will put on their wet suits and enjoy the journey of diving. Some die hards enjoy diving all year round in warmer parts of the world. No matter where you are diving you should be aware that you can experience jaw joint pain, gum tissue problems or what is called, “squeeze mouth.”

"Jaw joint pain and gum tissue problems are symptoms that when combined equal diver’s mouth,” says Dr. Judy Strutz. These problems occur when the air pressure changes or when a diver bites too hard on their mouthpiece for long periods of time.  Squeeze mouth usually occurs when the pressure changes and the diver has a periodontal abscess, incomplete root canal or fillings.

In order to avoid these problems make sure that you are not biting too hard on your mouthpiece. You want to apply enough pressure to be able to breath comfortably but you should not feel jaw pain. You also may want to meet with your dentist before you dive in order to make sure you do not have any fillings that need to be filled or any work that needs to be completed prior to diving. If you have dentures you’ll want to make sure that the pressure you apply is not going to impact them and that they are placed correctly and are secure.