How can we utilize bite force data to evaluate oral function of the elderly population?

Abstract

Emerging evidences had revealed that diminished oral function of the elderly population may lead to the impairment of their systemic health, functioning, and quality of lives. The disease concept of oral hypofunction has been established as a new pathology which dentistry should manage, The maximum bite force, which had been used as the surrogate indicator of chewing ability, is now included in the diagnostic criteria of oral hypofunction. However, the cutoff value of reduced bite force for the diagnosis of oral hypofunction lacks solid scientific bases. This paper aimed to discuss how to utilize bite force data to evaluate oral function of the elderly population.