Relationship between oral status and maximum bite force in preschool children

Background/purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine correlations between maximum bite force and several variables, including age, sex, body height, body weight, caries index, occlusal pattern, vertical occlusal relationship, number of teeth in contact and maximum mouth opening, among healthy 4–6-year-old preschool children.

Materials and methods

A total of 201 preschool children aged 4–6 years were selected from two kindergartens. The collected data included the oral checking and bite force measuring records. Whole oral records and measurements of bite force were taken and analyzed.

Results

Growth variables, such as height and weight, correlated with sex and bite force. Although there was no significant difference in bite force among the three age levels (4, 5 and 6 years old), there were significant differences in growth variables. Oral status variables, such as the number of maxillary posterior teeth in contact and maximum mouth opening, showed significant positive correlations with bite force.

Conclusion

By combining the results of this study, it was concluded that associations of bite force with factors like age, maximum mouth opening and the number of teeth in contact were clearer than for other variables such as body height, body weight, occlusal pattern, and tooth decay or fillings.

Key Words:  maximum bite force , oral status , preschool children

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