Temporomandibular dysfunction in italian navy scuba divers: Commercial vs personalized mouthpiece

The aim is to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders and the neuromuscular system variations in scuba divers of the Italian Navy with commercial (CM) and personalized mouthpiece (PM) to identify the risk factors for the development of TMD signs and symptoms before and after diving. 40 males (28-35 years) undergone to neuromuscular tests, spirometric and postural exams before and after diving, to MRI and CBCT. The prevalence of TMD symptoms after diving was about. 91% with CM and 36% with PM versus a 31% before diving in the CM group the neuromuscular answers after diving (T3) were highly different from rest situation before immersion (T0) also postural aspect were different after diving (p<0.01). In the PM group the neuromuscular answers after diving were not different from those before immersion (T0). Scuba divers exhibiting TMD-related symptoms have met the greatest risk of developing TMJ dysfunction and neuromuscular changes during and after the dive. Also in asymptomatic divers, before the dive, TMD is a common problem after it. Clenching seemed to be the greatest risk factor for pain in the masticatory muscle system while holding the commercial mouthpiece and after diving. Limited mouth opening and clenching were responsible for the symptoms in temporomandibular joint after the dive. Exposure to cold water for long periods of time causes the mandible to protrude and, together the tendency to bite harder on one side, can bring to dysfunction. The personalized mouthpiece diminish and prevent neuromuscular and postural problems.