Association between oral health status and occlusal bite force in young adults

Oral health is related to general health and a person's overall well-being. The aim of the present study was to explore the association between oral health status and bite force among young adults.

Maximum bite force (MBF) was measured using Dental Prescale II in conjunction with a pressure-sensitive film and bite force analyzer in 40 young adults aged 20 to 40. Supragingival dental plaque was collected and cultured. Plaque weight, pH, and colony counts were assessed. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) and body mass index (BMI) were recorded.

Bite force was negatively correlated with the number of missing teeth and the sum of missing and filled teeth. When the filled-to-remaining-teeth ratio (F/R ratio) was less than 8%, the bite force was significantly higher compared to an F/R ratio of 8-25%. Additionally, the amount of total bacteria was positively correlated with total bite force, and the quantity of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) along with total bacteria was positively correlated with bite force in the molar region (∗P < 0.05). The molar region predominantly contributed to bite force.

Elevated levels of cariogenic bacteria may increase the risk of tooth loss, subsequently leading to reduced bite force. This reduction in bite force can further impact the efficiency of chewing function and, consequently, the quality of life. An F/R ratio above 8% could be easily calculated clinically and could serve as a guide to identify patients, particularly young adults, at risk of reduced bite force.