What is the typical masticatory (chewing) force applied by humans?

Masticatory Force in Humans

The typical masticatory force applied by humans during chewing averages approximately 220 N (Newtons), with maximum forces reaching up to 450-480 N, though these values vary significantly based on age, sex, dental condition, and whether the bite is unilateral or bilateral. 1, 2

Normal Masticatory Force Values

Average Forces During Chewing

• Mean total masticatory force during actual chewing (measured with winegum) is 220 N, with individual maximum forces reaching 450 N 1
• These measurements were obtained using strain gauge-equipped implant abutments that provided force readings independent of the location of force impact 1

Maximum Bite Force Capacity

• Maximal unilateral bite force in healthy control subjects averages 480 N 2
• Maximal bilateral bite force in healthy subjects averages 347 N 2
• Maximum bite force is consistently higher than forces actually used during normal mastication 2, 1

Factors Affecting Masticatory Force

Age-Related Variations

• Masticatory force varies significantly across human development stages, with characteristic patterns for different age groups 3
• Force generation capacity of the oral tongue decreases with advancing age, leading to reduced pressure generation during the oral phase 4
• Changes in the muscles of mastication result in slower and less efficient chewing in older adults 4
• Until the end of adolescence, there is a decrease in maximum bite force in both sexes 3

Sex Differences

• Male bite force is generally greater than female force through adolescence 3
• In young adults, female force may become greater than male force, then decreases again in adulthood 3

Pathological Conditions

• Patients with functional disorders of the craniomandibular system demonstrate reduced bite forces: 387 N unilateral and 230 N bilateral, compared to healthy controls 2
• The natural cortical density of the coronoid process renders it more capable of enduring substantial forces compared to other graft types 5
• Reconstructions using the coronoid process have been associated with improved masticatory efficiency and bite force compared to other grafting methods 5

Clinical Measurement Considerations

Measurement Methodology

• Unilateral bite force is a simple clinical indicator of mandibular elevator strength as a whole, but inadequate to disclose asymmetric conditions 2
• Measuring chewing force via bending of a pontic involves the risk of underestimation (only 42-84% of actual force) 1
• Methods using strain gauges that sum signals from multiple points provide more accurate total force measurements independent of force application site 1

Load Distribution

• During chewing on three-unit fixed partial dentures, single abutments experience mean loads of 91 N (anterior) and 129 N (posterior), with a maximum of 314 N 1
• The control of bite force during mastication is achieved by anticipatory adjustment and encoding of bolus characteristics 6

Neuromuscular Control

Central Regulation

• The first opening action during mastication is voluntary and food-determined, while later opening and closing movements are solely of central regulation 7
• Variability of speed, direction, and range of jaw movements is reflexly modulated through peripheral and central feedback 7
• The chewing center or rhythm generator is located in the brain stem below the level of the mesencephalus 7

Muscle Activity Correlation

• During isometric contraction, temporalis and masseter activity are linearly related at predetermined levels of contraction 2
• Only in the masseter muscle is strength of dynamic contractions during chewing significantly correlated to bite force 2
• Correlations of bite force and electromyographic activity in short static contractions are significant with respect to unilateral, but not bilateral force measurements 2

Common Pitfalls

• Pain effects: Pain in teeth, oral mucosa, muscles, and temporomandibular joints can instantaneously alter masticatory movement patterns, and these altered patterns can become permanent even after the cause is removed 7
• Individual variability: There is high intraindividual and even higher interindividual difference in chewing patterns, making categorization of chewing movement impractical 7
• Measurement location: The site of force application significantly affects readings unless specialized equipment is used to account for this variable 1