[The influence of military underwater activity on the oral cavity].

The military dentists who serve in the navy, treat divers, among other patients. Divers are being exposed to a changing, unique environment on a regular basis. The aim of this article is to review latest literature on the different effects of scuba diving on the diver's head, face and oral regions and to emphasize methods of disease prevention, diagnostic tools and treatment guidelines. The review focuses on diving barotrauma (pressure- induced injury related to an air space) as well as scuba diving mouthpiece-related oral conditions, which include facial, jaw pain and headaches, decompression sickness and mouthpiece-related herpes infection. Each condition is described by its effect on the oral cavity and in particular the teeth.