A novel bite force recorder and maximal isometric bite force values for healthy young adults

Area of Science:

• Biomechanical Engineering
• Dental Science
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Maximal human bite force measurements vary significantly due to diverse equipment.
• Previous studies reported lower maximal bite force values.
• Accurate measurement of masticatory forces is crucial for dental research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel bite force recorder for precise human bite force measurement.
• To investigate maximal bite forces in healthy undergraduate dental students.
• To compare newly obtained bite force data with previously reported values.

Main Methods:

• Development of a unilateral bite force recorder utilizing a quartz force transducer and microprocessor.
• Calibration of the device using loads ranging from 112.8 to 1691.5 N.
• Measurement of maximal bite forces in 30 healthy dental students (15 male, 15 female) in the molar region.

Main Results:

• The developed bite force recorder yielded maximal bite force values exceeding those previously reported for unilateral housings.
• Mean maximal bite force was 847 N for men and 597 N for women.
• Pain or muscular strength limitations, rather than device capacity, were the primary limiting factors.

Conclusions:

• The novel bite force recorder accurately measures human maximal bite forces.
• Measured bite forces in dental students were higher than previously documented.
• The study suggests that pain or muscle fatigue, not mechanical limits, dictates maximal voluntary bite force.