Bite force and dental status
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry Volume 28, Number 2/2004 139
INTRODUCTION
V
arious techniques have been used to clinically
evaluate the physiological characteristics of the
muscles of mastication.
One method is to...
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Bite force and dental status
The Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry Volume 28, Number 2/2004 139
INTRODUCTION
V
arious techniques have been used to clinically
evaluate the physiological characteristics of the
muscles of mastication.
One method is to
measure the bite force.
Bite force is exerted by the jaw
elevator muscles and is regulated by the nervous,
muscular, skeletal, and dental systems.
1
Maximum bite
force is related to the health of the masticatory system,
and it is believed that the stronger the bite force, the
better the system.
2,3
Helkimo et al.
4
observed the bite
force of a population between the ages of 15 and 65
years, and found that variation in bite force with dental
status was obvious, and that those with complete
dentition had a much greater bite force.
Maximum bite force assessed unilaterally may be
used as a simple indicator of mandibular elevator
muscle strength as a whole.
5
Since reduced strength is
an important factor in overload and hyperactivity of
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