Bite Force of 3-6-Year-Old Children after Unilateral Extraction of Primary Teeth

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the bite force of 3-6-year-old children in primary dentition period after unilateral extraction of a primary first molar (D) and its correlation with the height, weight, gender, type of occlusion, and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Materials and Methods: Twenty children between the ages of 3 and 6 years with a unilaterally extracted D comprised our case group, and 29 age-matched children with no extracted teeth comprised the control group. The maximum bite force at the site of posterior teeth was measured using a bite force measuring device with a 0.2-mm thickness and 3-cm diameter, attached to a strain-gage sensor. Each child bit the sensor with maximum force for 3 seconds, and this was repeated three times at 10-minute intervals. The mean value was calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18 software program via generalized estimating equation (GEE). Results: the bite force on the side of extraction was significantly lower than that on the contralateral side (P0.05). Conclusions: Extraction of primary first molars decreases the bite force on the respective side of the jaw.

Keywords

• Bite Force
• Tooth
• Deciduous
• Tooth Extraction