A comparative point prevalence study of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in recreational scuba divers as opposed to non-divers : a pilot study

Abstract

The aim of this point prevalence study was to compare the prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in recreational scuba divers and snorkiers, as opposed to non-divers, in terms of subjective findings. The Durban Metropolitan area diving population consisted of approximately 2500 divers and therefore the population size decided on was 200 divers and 200 non-divers. A total of 400 questionnaires were filled in with the participant's subjective data about their pain, limited mouth opening, and jaw joint noises. The divers were asked about their dive certification, and the number of dives done in order to establish whether they had dived within three months prior to participating in the study. The results were statistically analysed using chi-squared tests with the pvalue of a = 0.05. Tables and bar charts were constructed to visually represent the data and allow for descriptive analysis. The overall prevalence of TMJD in divers was 46.5% and in non-divers 54%. The chi-squared analysis shows no significant difference between the two groups. Among other findings, the relationship between the use of diving mouthpieces and TMJD was considered and it was established that 20% of divers, in this