• Phanomporn Vanichanon DDS. (Hons), M.S. (Restorative Dentistry-Occlusion), M.Sc. (Health Development)
• Thanomsri Anantvoranich DDS.
• Teeranuch Sanharati
• Sirinart Manaspaibool

Objective To investigate the prevalence of symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a
group of Thai scuba divers and to identify factors associated with TMD symptoms after diving.

Materials and methods A group of 280 Thai scuba divers collected by purposive sampling were
asked to complete a questionnaire on symptoms of TMD in daily life, during, and after diving including
questions regarding various factors which may relate to TMD. The data were analyzed using descriptive
and multivariate logistic regression statistics.

Results The prevalence of TMD (at least 2 symptoms) after diving was 22.9%. Jaw stiffness was the
most prevalent symptoms (26.4%) followed by TMJ pain (21.8%) and muscle pain (15.0%). Only 1.9%
of samples reported that the symptoms were severe enough to stop diving while 96.3% reported
self-improvement without treatment. Factors that showed significant relationship with TMD symptoms
(p < 0.05) occurring after diving were stressful lifestyle (OR=2.27; 95% CI: 1.10-4.69) and having at
least 1 TMD symptom before diving (OR=4.07; 95% CI: 2.13-7.77). No significance were found in
ages, sex, sleeping bruxism, clenching, history of orthodontic treatment, removal of impaction,
maxillofacial injury and anxiety during diving.

Conclusion TMD symptoms after diving have been reported among a group of Thai scuba divers.
However, the symptoms are usually mild and self-limited. The significant factors for developing these
symptoms are stressful lifestyle and having at least 1 TMD symptom before diving.

(CU Dent J. 2012;35:15-26)