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Temporomandibular Disorders in Professional Scuba Divers-A Cross-Sectional Study
Ivica Pelivan1, Joško Viskić2, Nikša Dulčić1
1Department of Removable Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, Gundulićeva ulica 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Dentistry Journal
|September 26, 2025
Summary
Scuba divers show a higher prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), specifically disk displacements and other joint issues, compared to the general population. This suggests diving may increase the risk of developing these jaw joint conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Orthodontics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Scuba diving is associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain, masticatory muscle discomfort, and teeth issues.
- Existing literature primarily focuses on symptomatic complaints in divers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) between scuba divers and the general population.
- To identify specific TMD diagnostic differences between these groups.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional epidemiological study design was employed.
- The Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) protocol was utilized for assessment.
- 84 participants were selected: 55 scuba divers (study group) and 29 general population individuals (control group).
Main Results:
- Significant differences in RDC/TMD Axis I diagnoses (Group 2: disk displacements, Group 3: other common joint disorders) were observed between divers and controls.
- Divers were 15.8 times more likely to have left joint Group 2 diagnoses and 12 times more likely to have right joint Group 3 diagnoses.
- RDC/TMD Axis II diagnoses were also significantly higher in divers, who were older and predominantly male.
Conclusions:
- Scuba divers exhibit a higher prevalence of specific temporomandibular disorders, including disk displacements and other joint disorders.
- Age and gender differences between the study and control groups may influence these findings, requiring cautious interpretation due to potential confounding.
