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Bite force measurement in children with primary dentition
Gary Mountain1, David Wood, Jack Toumba
1School of Healthcare, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. g.mountain@leeds.ac.uk
International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry
|August 25, 2010
Summary
Maximum bite force in young children (3-6 years) varies widely, with measurements ranging from 12.61 N to 353.64 N. This study provides key reference values for pediatric dental practice and research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Understanding bite force in young children is crucial for assessing oral development and function.
- Limited data exists on maximum bite force in the primary dentition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify maximum bite force in children aged 3-6 years with primary dentition.
- To investigate the influence of dental caries and malocclusion on bite force.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 205 children aged 3-6 years from UK primary schools.
- Measured bite force in Newtons (N) bilaterally on primary molars and central incisors using a specialized bite force gauge.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of dental caries was 30.4% and malocclusion was 17.1%.
- Recorded bite forces exhibited significant intra- and inter-individual variation (12.61 N - 353.64 N).
Conclusions:
- Young children's bite forces show considerable variation, aligning with previous limited studies.
- Established reference values are valuable for pediatric dental clinical practice and research.
