Establishing reference values for maximum occlusal force in Japanese children using an individual-tooth-type capacitive pressure distribution sensor

Introduction: Assessing oral function during growth is vital for evaluating the dental arch and jawbone development. Occlusal force assessment, along with tongue pressure, is part of the criteria for diagnosing “oral functional development disorder.” However, reference values for these evaluations are lacking, highlighting the need for standardized values during growth. Therefore, we aimed to create age-specific reference values for the maximum occlusal force in Japanese elementary school children with a newly developed individual-tooth capacitive pressure distribution sensor. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 383 children (175 boys and 208 girls) from all grades in an elementary school in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. A single-tooth capacitive pressure distribution sensor was used to measure maximum occlusal force, which was then compared to the Occlusal Force Meter GM10. Measurements were taken of the first permanent molar or second primary molar if the first molar had not erupted. The average of three trials per side was calculated for each participant. Results: The results showed that boys exhibited greater occlusal force than girls. Furthermore, the transition of occlusal force from first to sixth grade followed a two-phase S-shaped pattern, reflecting physiological growth factors such as first molar eruption and root development, followed by the lateral tooth exchange period with second primary molar exfoliation. Conclusion: The maximum occlusal force increases nonlinearly during childhood and varies by sex. The new sensor exhibited strong correlation with traditional measurement devices. These results can help set reference values that can aid in diagnosing oral functional developmental disorders in children.