Association between masticatory performance and maximal occlusal force in young men

Area of Science:

• Oral physiology
• Biomechanical engineering
• Dental research

Background:

• Masticatory performance is crucial for nutrient intake and overall health.
• Maximal occlusal force is a key indicator of chewing muscle function.
• Understanding the relationship between bite force and food breakdown is essential for dental health assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between maximal occlusal force and masticatory performance.
• To evaluate this relationship using test foods of varying hardness in dentate subjects.

Main Methods:

• Twenty young males with natural dentitions participated.
• Masticatory performance was assessed using soft and hard gummy jellies, measuring comminution via gelatin concentration.
• Maximal occlusal force was measured using pressure-sensitive sheets (DENTAL PRESCALE 50H R type).

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between maximal occlusal force and masticatory performance for both soft and hard gummy jellies.
• The correlation coefficient tended to be higher when using the harder gummy jelly.
• This suggests bite force is a significant determinant of chewing efficiency across different food textures.

Conclusions:

• Maximal occlusal force is a reliable predictor of masticatory performance in individuals with natural teeth.
• The relationship is evident across a range of food hardness, with a potentially stronger link for harder foods.
• These findings have implications for assessing oral function and dental rehabilitation strategies.