Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in a group of scuba divers.
BACKGROUND
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) has been reported to be a common problem in divers, with a prevalence of up to 68%. No evidence for this is available.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence of TMD in divers.


METHODS
Sixty three subjects were asked to retrospectively complete a questionnaire on symptoms of TMD after diving in warm and cold water areas and in daily life.


RESULTS
The prevalence of TMD was greater in female divers. The prevalence of TMD while diving was about 26%, comparable to that experienced in daily life.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in mouthpiece design and lighter demand valves mean that TMD is now probably exacerbated by diving rather than caused by it.
Aldridge
R D
RD
Prosthetics Department, Kings College London, UK. richardaldridge@bsac.co.uk
Fenlon
M R
MR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011114:Polynesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013696:Temperature; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology