Maximum Bite Force Analysis in Different Age Groups

Introduction  Maximum bite force (MBF) is the maximum force performed by the subject on the fragmentation of food, directly related with the mastication and determined by many factors. Objective  Analyze the MBF of subjects according to age groups. Methods  One hundred individuals from the city of Sao Paulo were equally divided according to age groups and gender. Each individual submitted to a myotherapy evaluation composed of anthropometric measurements of height and weight to obtain body mass index (BMI), using a tape and a digital scale (Magna, G-life, Sao Paulo), and a dental condition and maximum bite force evaluation, using a digital dynamometer model DDK/M (Kratos, Sao Paulo, Brazil), on Newton scale. The dental and bite force evaluations were monitored by a professional from the area. Analysis of variance was used with MBF as a dependent variable, age group and gender as random factors, and BMI as a control variable. Results  Till the end of adolescence, it was possible to observe a decrease in MBF in both sexes, with the male force greater than the female force. In young adults, the female force became greater the males, then decreased in adulthood. There was no correlation between MBF and BMI. Conclusion  There are MBF variations that characterizes the human development stages, according to age groups.