Flying personnel and occlusal/mandibular dysfunction.

Abstract

Occlusal/mandibular dysfunction can be triggered by stress, or stress associated with a malocclusion. Aircrew members, because of the very nature of their profession, were surveyed to determine if a higher incidence of occlusal/mandibular dysfunction existed in these personnel. A total of 775 personnel were surveyed by questionnaire requiring positive or negative answers to seven questions regarding occlusal/mandibular dysfunction symptoms. These personnel were categorized into three groups: student pilots, instructor pilots, and a control group of non-flying personnel. The instructor pilots had a significantly greater number of positive responses than the student pilot group suggesting that over a period of time flying personnel may be more prone to occlusal/mandibular dysfunction. Health practitioners treating aircrew members need to be aware of the various signs and symptoms of occlusal/mandibular dysfunction, the need for a correct differential diagnosis, and the referral of such patients to the proper agency for prompt treatment.