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Head and Neck Lesions Commonly Found in Musicians

 
 

Copyright 2024, Mark Alan Wade

Primary Author: Zimmers, P.
Journal Title: Journal of the American Dental Association
Date Published: Nov-94
Language: English
Category: Orofacial Disorders
Key Words: head neck lesions musician performance dental medical
Full Citation: Zimmers, P. L., and J. P. Gobetti. Head and Neck Lesions Commonly Found in Musicians. Journal of the American Dental Association 125, no. 11 (November 1994): 1487-96.
Full Abstract: Dentists should be aware of dental problems that are unique to musicians. The playing of woodwind, brass, and string instruments over time may cause lesions and misalignments of the head and neck. Musicians who play brass instruments such as the trumpet, French horn, trombone, and tuba may experience crepitus (cracking sound) of the TMJ, oral ulcers, herpes labialis, and tooth movement. Those who play woodwind instruments such as the clarinet, oboe, and saxophone may develop overbites due to the pressure of the wedge shaped mouthpiece. Violin and viola players may experience TMJ dysfunction because of the pressure they exert in using their chin and jaw to hold the instrument against their shoulder. Fiddler's Neck is a skin lesion found on the area of the chin that comes in contact with the string instrument. Dentists should obtain a full history from musician patients about the amount of time they spend playing musical instruments in order to correctly diagnose and treat these unique dental problems. Fourteen references.