Relationship between the training of young recruits and values of bite forces

Analysis of masticatory function is the basis of clinical work in almost all fields of dentistry. Bite forces are the expression and measure of masticatory function. Physical training has an effect on the development of functional ability, motoric ability of the organism and the formation of desired physical proportions. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between physical fitness and bite force values. Because of strictly defined regulations in the army with regard to training and nutrition, Croatian Army recruits were ideal examinees for this examination. The examinees were 135 recruits. Bite forces were measured on three places (area of the central incisors, left and right in the area of the first molars) before and after three-months of training. Of all the examinees, 108 had increased their body weight, 12 had decreased it and 15 had not changed their body weight. The median of measured forces in the recruits prior to training was 291 N in the right (lateral quadrant), 285.5 N in the left lateral quadrant and 205 N in the anterior area. After training the median of measured forces in the right quadrant was 312 N, in the left 313 N and in the anterior area 216 N Greater bite forces after training on all measured places were statistically proved. Increased activity of masticatory muscles can have the same effect on the values of bite forces as bite training. There are few data on the correlation between physical muscles and values of bite forces. The results of those studies are doubtful. In this study, after three months of conditional training, the body mass of the recruits had increased and they expressed greater values of bite forces. However, correlation between body mass and bite forces cannot be proved with certainty.