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Quantifying Bite Forces for Solid Foods: Implications for Patients Postmandibular Reconstruction
Jacob J Clark1,2, Emma K Charters2,3, Kai Cheng2,3
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Darlington, Australia.
Head & Neck
|September 3, 2025
Summary
Understanding bite forces is crucial for dietary guidelines after mandibular reconstruction. This study quantifies food forces and estimates safe bite limits, aiding recovery and nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Food Science
Background:
- Dietary guidelines post-mandibular reconstruction lack quantitative bite force data.
- Mastication forces for various food textures are not well-defined.
- This gap complicates patient recovery and nutritional management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the bite forces required for different food consistencies.
- To estimate safe bite force thresholds for patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction.
- To inform evidence-based dietary recommendations using the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework.
Main Methods:
- Prepared 20 food items adhering to IDDSI Levels 5-7b.
- Measured incisor and molar bite forces using a custom force meter.
- Employed Finite Element (FE) analysis to simulate safe force thresholds for various mandibular reconstruction complexities.
Main Results:
- Bite forces ranged from 4.6 N (IDDSI 5, incisors) to 45.4 N (IDDSI 7b, molars).
- Molar bite forces were significantly higher than incisor forces (p < 0.001).
- FE analysis suggested safe bite forces between 30-115 N, varying with reconstruction type; IDDSI 5 foods were universally safe, while higher levels posed risks.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide quantitative data for dietary recommendations post-mandibular reconstruction.
- The IDDSI framework is validated for guiding food consistency choices.
- This research supports improved patient outcomes through tailored nutritional support.
