Influence of personality traits on the intensity of maximum voluntary bite force in adults

To determine the Maximum voluntary bite force among patients having different personality traits.

In total, 323 patients were given the big-five inventory (BFI) questionnaire to fill and allotted to the various personality traits. The patients in the Agreeableness (n = 62) and Neuroticism traits (n = 62) were included in the study. They were categorized into groups as Group 1a - Neuroticism male (41 patients) and Group 1b - Neuroticism Female (21 patients) and Group 2a - Agreeableness male (26 patients) and Group 2b - Agreeableness female (36 patients). Highest value of the maximal voluntary bite force (MVBF) was recorded using FlexiForce sensor (B 201) (Tekscan, USA). The statistical data were analyzed by independent t-test (P < 0.05).

The mean bite force values for Neuroticism male was 778.66 N, Agreeableness male was 699 N, Neuroticism female was 686.24 N, and for Agreeableness female was 565.47 N. Statistically significant differences in the bite forces between the male and female groups of both the groups with the males showing significantly higher bite force values in both groups was seen. Also, the bite force in Neuroticism male was significantly higher than Agreeableness male and bite force in Neuroticism female was higher than Agreeableness female.

In this study, the highest bite force was seen in Neuroticism males. Additionally, this study infers that personality has significant influence on the quantum of bite force. Thus, personality assessment of the patient can assist the clinician in planning the appropriate treatment.