Issue: Vojnosanit Pregl 2017; Vol. 74 (No. 2)
Effects of bruxism on the maximum bite force
Authors:
Jelena T. Todić, Ankica Mitić, Dragoslav Lazić, Radivoje Radosavljević, Miloš Staletović
Background/Aim. Bruxism is a parafunctional activity of themasticatory system, which is characterized by clenching or
grinding of teeth. The purpose of this study was to determine
whether the presence of bruxism has impact on maximum bite
force, with particular reference to the potential impact of gender
on bite force values. Methods. This study included two
groups of subjects: without and with bruxism. The presence of
bruxism in the subjects was registered using a specific clinical
questionnaire on bruxism and physical examination. The subjects
from both groups were submitted to the procedure of
measuring the maximum bite pressure and occlusal contact
area using a single-sheet pressure-sensitive films (Fuji Prescale
MS and HS Film). Maximal bite force was obtained by
multiplying maximal bite pressure and occlusal contact area values.
Results. The average values of maximal bite force were
significantly higher in the subjects with bruxism compared to
those without bruxism (p < 0.001). Occlusal contact area was
significantly higher in the subjects suffering from bruxism (p <
0.001), while the maximal bite pressure values did not show a
significant difference between the studied groups (p > 0.01).
Maximal bite force was significantly higher in the males compared
to the females in all segments of the research. Conclusion.
The presence of bruxism influences the increase in the
maximum bite force as shown in this study. Gender is a significant
determinant of bite force. Registration of maximum bite
force can be used in diagnosing and analysing
pathophysiological events during bruxism.
