RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Prevalence of temporomandibular dysfunction in a group of scuba divers
JF British Journal of Sports Medicine
JO Br J Sports Med
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Association of Sport and Exercise Medicine
SP 69
OP 73
DO 10.1136/bjsm.2003.005025
VO 38
IS 1
A1 R D Aldridge
A1 M R Fenlon
YR 2004
UL http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/1/69.abstract
AB 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.