Bite force measurement in children with primary dentition.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the magnitude of the biting forces in young children aged 3-6 years in the primary dentition and analyse the potential effects of caries and malocclusion on maximum bite force.

METHODS

Children aged 3-6 years of age attending primary schools within a major city in the UK were recruited to participate in this study. The magnitude of the bite force in Newtons (N) was measured bilaterally corresponding with the 1st and 2nd primary molars and central incisors using a new specifically designed single tooth bite force gauge.

RESULTS

Two-hundred and five children were included in the study. The prevalence of dental caries and malocclusion was found to be 30.4% and 17.1% respectively. The levels of bite force recorded showed comparatively wide intra- and inter-individual variation with the maximum of the three bite force measurements ranging from 12.61 (N) to 353.64 (N) (M=196.60, SD=69.77).

CONCLUSION

Bite forces of young children show comparatively wide intra- and inter-individual variation with some similarities with those found in the limited number of previous primary dentition studies undertaken elsewhere. The results will serve to provide key reference values for use both in paediatric dental clinical practice and wider research community.