Important Dental News: New Research Explores Link between Low Maximum Bite Force and Cardiovascular Disease

Introduction

Recent research has shed new light on the role of masticatory function beyond oral health, linking it to broader systemic outcomes. 

The Suita Study, a longitudinal cohort investigation, demonstrated a significant association between decreased maximum bite force (MBF) and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). For dental professionals and researchers, these findings emphasize the growing importance of objective bite force assessments—not just for dental diagnostics, but also for prevention of systemic diseases. 

This research may also have long-term implications for patient insurance claims, potentially expanding the rationale for full-mouth rehabilitation and other treatments out of the sphere of dental insurance and into the larger realm of medical insurance claims. 

The Suita Study: An Overview

Conducted in Japan, the Suita Study followed 1,547 participants aged 30 to 79 over an average of 3.5 years. Each participant underwent medical and dental evaluations, including precise measurements of MBF. During the study period, 32 participants developed cardiovascular disease. Statistical analysis showed that lower MBF levels were significantly associated with a higher incidence of CVD, particularly among women.(1)

These findings position masticatory function as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular risk, adding a new dimension to oral-systemic health discussions.

How Masticatory Function May Influence Cardiovascular Health

The study proposes that the link between masticatory function and cardiovascular disease may be mediated through nutritional pathways.(1) Individuals with diminished bite force may avoid harder, fibrous foods such as raw fruits and vegetables, leading to diets low in essential nutrients like fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins. This poor dietary quality could contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction, all known contributors to cardiovascular disease.(2,3)

Thus, diminished masticatory ability does not merely impact quality of life – it may quietly escalate broader health risks.

Why This Matters for Dental Professionals and Researchers

For dental practitioners, these findings call for a paradigm shift.

Traditional measures of oral health, such as the number of remaining teeth and the health of the gums can provide useful but incomplete information. Maximum bite force measurements, by contrast, offer a functional and objective assessment of a patient’s masticatory performance.(4)

By integrating MBF assessments into routine examinations, dentists can identify patients whose overall health may benefit from restorative dental interventions.

For researchers, accurate bite force measurements open the door to investigating new hypotheses about oral-systemic connections.

Advances in Bite Force Measurement Technology

Modern digital bite force devices deliver precise, real-time measurements that can be tracked over time, providing both clinicians and researchers with valuable longitudinal data. 

Some devices, such as T-Scan or OccluSense, measure relative force or timing of force but do not measure MBF. In order to measure patient MBF – the biometric data used in this study – a device like Innobyte must be used.

Implementing Bite Force Assessments in Practice

Integrating bite force assessments into everyday dental practice has multiple advantages:

• Early Detection: Identifying patients with compromised masticatory function before they experience severe oral or systemic health problems.

• Improved Patient Education: Helping patients understand the broader health implications of maintaining functional dentition.

• Better Treatment Planning: Using objective data to select prosthetic treatment or occlusal adjustment treatments.

• Longitudinal Monitoring: Tracking changes over time to assess the success of dental interventions.

Moreover, this proactive approach reinforces the dentist’s role as a key player in preventive healthcare—not just for oral diseases, but for systemic conditions as well.

Conclusion

The Suita Study presents compelling evidence that decreased bite force is more than an oral health issue; it may be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.(1) Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to act on this knowledge by incorporating MBF assessments into routine practice. And as the oral-systemic health connection becomes clearer, maximum bite force measurements can help dentists and researchers alike improve patient care and contribute meaningfully to broader public health goals.

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References

1. Morita, I., Nakagaki, H., Kuroiwa, Y., Yoshii, S., Taki, Y., Suto, T., ... & Taki, M. (2021). Relationship Between Decreased Masticatory Function and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease: The Suita Study. Scientific Reports, 11(1) 7517. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8027371/

2. Steffen LM, Jacobs DR, Jr, Stevens J, et al. Associations of whole-grain, refined-grain, and fruit and vegetable consumption with risks of all-cause mortality and incident coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC)Study. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 2003;78:383–390. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/78.3.383. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

3. Okuda N, Miura K, Okayama A, et al. Fruit and vegetable intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease in Japan: a 24-year follow-up of the NIPPON DATA80 Study. Eur. J. Clin. Nutr. 2015;69:482–488. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2014.276. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]

4. 2.Kosaka T, Ono T, Kida M, et al. A multifactorial model of masticatory performance: the Suita study. J. Oral. Rehabil. 2016;43:340–347. doi: 10.1111/joor.12371. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]