A study on the maximum bite force and facial morphology according to chewing side preference

Jeong, Mi Ra; Son, Woo Sung

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the distribution of the chewing side preference and variations in the maximum bite force and facial morphology according to chewing side preference since unilateral chewing may cause morphologic and functional anomalies. 50 dental students who had no signs or symptoms of masticatory system and Angle's Class I relationship in posterior segments were selected, and divided into two groups, that is, 25 in bilateral chewing group(19 male and 6 female) and 25 in unilateral chewing group(10 male and 15 female). Maximum bite force was estimated and posteroanterior cephalogram were measured and statistically analyzed. The results were as follows: 1. There were more students with bilateral chewing side preference(68%) and unilateral chewing side group consisted of right side preference(68%) and left side preference(32%). 2. There was no significant difference in the strength of max. bite force between the right and left side in bilateral chewing group. The bite force of the chewing side was greater in the unilateral chewing group but less in the non-chewing side compared to those of bilateral chewing group with no significant difference. Max. bite force of chewing side was greater than that of non-chewing side in the unilateral chewing group(Female : p<0.05). Max. bite force of males was about twice in that of females in both groups(p<0.05). Max. bite force of chewing side of the unilateral chewing group was similar to that of the bilateral chewing group, but that of non-chewing side was less than that of the bilateral chewing group. 3. In comparison of the facial morphology, there was no statistically significant difference in the size between the right and left side of the bilateral chewing group and between chewing and non-chewing side of the unilateral chewing group.