Abstract:

Mastication is a fundamental function that develops during early childhood and plays an important role in craniofacial growth. Maximum bite force (MBF) is a key indicator of the functional capacity of the masticatory system and is influenced by various biological and functional factors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate maximum bite force in children with primary dentition using a gnathodynamometer and to analyze its variation according to gender and anatomical region. The study included 26 children with fully developed primary dentition (16 boys and 10 girls). Measurements were performed in the frontal region and in the right and left molar regions, with each measurement repeated three times. The results showed that, in both boys and girls, lower mean MBF values were recorded in the anterior (frontal) region compared to the posterior regions. Among the posterior areas, the highest values were observed in the right molar region in boys, whereas the lowest values were found in the left molar region in girls. Statistically significant differences between boys and girls were found in all examined regions. Overall, MBF values were higher in boys and in posterior regions, and greater on the right side compared to the left. These findings indicate that maximum bite force in children with primary dentition is influenced by gender and anatomical region and should be considered in the assessment of masticatory function.
Keywords: maximum bite force, gnathodynamometer, primary dentition