R D Aldridge1, M R Fenlon. 1. Prosthetics Department, Kings College London, UK. richardaldridge@bsac.co.uk
Abstract
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. METHOD: 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. CONCLUSION: Improvements in mouthpiece design and lighter demand valves mean that TMD is now probably exacerbated by diving rather than caused by it.
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. METHOD: 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. CONCLUSION: Improvements in mouthpiece design and lighter demand valves mean that TMD is now probably exacerbated by diving rather than caused by it.
Authors: Tatiana V Macfarlane; Anthony S Blinkhorn; Robin M Davies; John Kincey; Helen V Worthington Journal: Community Dent Oral Epidemiol Date: 2002-02 Impact factor: 3.383