Authors: Lurie, Orit; Zadik, Yehuda; Einy, Shmuel; Tarrasch, Ricardo; Raviv, Gil; Goldstein, Liav

Source: Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Volume 78, Number 2, February 2007 , pp. 137-139(3)

Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association

Abstract:

Lurie O, Zadik Y, Einy S, Tarrasch R, Raviv G, Goldstein L. Bruxism in military pilots and non-pilots: tooth wear and psychological stress. Aviat Space Environ Med 2007; 78:137-139.

Background: Bruxism is the diurnal or nocturnal para-functional habit of clenching or grinding the teeth and affects 5-10% of the general western population. Bruxism can cause pain and irreversible damage to the teeth, periodontium, masticatory muscles, and temporo-mandibular joint. Variables such as general stress, work-related stress, and personality traits have been increasingly considered as initiating, predisposing, and perpetuating factors for bruxism. We sought to evaluate the potential of work-related stress and personality factors to induce bruxism among military pilots and non-pilot officers. Methods: Subjects were 57 healthy male Israel Air Force officers (mean age 25.8 ± 4.3 yr). Of these, 17 were jet-pilots, 18 helicopter-pilots, and 22 non-pilot officers. Tooth-wear was classified according to a six-point scale. In addition, the subjects responded to a battery of psychological questionnaires for self-assessment of stress at the workplace and their coping behavior. Results: Bruxism of clinical importance (i.e., with dentin exposure) was found in 69% of the aircrew members but only 27% of the non-pilot group. No difference was found between groups regarding stress levels. Discussion: Military aircrews may be relatively vulnerable to deleterious bruxism as well as other signs of chronic stress. Among bruxers, pilots tended to show coping strategies that were significantly more emotional and less task-oriented than non-pilots, whereas non-bruxers showed no significant differences in coping behavior. This study suggest that integrating dental and psychological preventive intervention may be helpful.

References: 21 references open in new window

Articles that cite this article?

Keywords: aviation dentistry; flight dentistry; dentistry; personality traits; work environment; sleep disorder; temporomandibular joint; dentin exposure

Document Type: Short communication

Publication date: 2007-02-01

More about this publication?

• The peer-reviewed monthly journal, Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine (ASEM) provides contact with physicians, life scientists, bioengineers, and medical specialists working in both basic medical research and in its clinical applications. It is the most used and cited journal in its field. ASEM is distributed to more than 80 nations.
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• Membership Information
• Information for Advertisers
• Submit Articles
• 2011 Annual Meeting and Event Information
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Transportation ,  Medicine (General) ,  Public Health
• By this author: Lurie, Orit ;  Zadik, Yehuda ;  Einy, Shmuel ;  Tarrasch, Ricardo ;  Raviv, Gil ;  Goldstein, Liav

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers