Signs and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder in Male Narghile Smokers versus Male Cigarette Smokers.

Abstract

Objective: Narghile smoking is highly prevalent in Egypt. The act of narghile smoking involves strong contraction of the jaw muscles, which would putatively cause overloading of the temporomandibular joint; thereby leading to internal derangement of the joint. The current study compared symptoms and signs related to temporomandibular disorder in male narghile smokers versus male cigarette smokers. Methods: This prospective clinical study involved 233 male narghile smokers and 233 male cigarette smokers. A questionnaire and examination findings protocol was applied for each participant. Results: There was a significant increase in incidence of signs of internal derangement in the temporomandibular joints of narghile smokers versus those of cigarette smokers (p=0.001). Tympanic membrane retractions were also more common in narghile smokers versus cigarette smokers(p=0.001), reflecting the significant effects of jaw muscle mechanical efforts on the middle ear system, associated with narghile smoking. Conclusion: Narghile smoking is a traumatizing habit as regards its effects on the temporomandibular joints and ear structures.