Evaluation and Comparison of Handedness and Maximum Bite Force in Right and Left Sides of Jaw: An In Vivo Study

Aims and background: Handedness, a key indicator of cerebral dominance, may influence neuromuscular coordination and masticatory function.Understanding its correlation with bite force distribution can provide insights into chewing behavior and enhance personalized dental treatment planning.The study aims to evaluate and compare the relationship between handedness and maximum voluntary bite force on the respective sides of the jaw.Methods: This cross-sectional in vivo study was conducted on 64 participants (32 right-handed and 32 left-handed), aged 17-40 years, at Index Institute of Dental Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Individuals with full dentition, excluding third molars, and without any temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders or dental prostheses were included.Maximum voluntary bite force was recorded bilaterally using a portable occlusal bite force device.Each side was tested thrice with 3-minute intervals, and mean values were computed.Handedness was self-reported by participants.Prior to participation, informed consent was obtained from all individuals, and ethical clearance for the study was granted by the institutional ethics committee.Results: Right-handed individuals showed significantly higher bite force on the right side (467.39 29.26) compared with the left side (398.58 10.42) (p = 0.000).Conversely, left-handed individuals exerted greater force on the left side (431.79 6.28) than on the right side (401.17 3.95) (p = 0.000).The findings indicate a strong correlation between hand dominance and the side of higher bite force.Conclusion: There is a statistically significant association between handedness and side-specific bite force, with each group exerting more force on the side corresponding to their dominant hand.This lateralization is likely influenced by neuromuscular coordination governed by cerebral dominance.Clinical significance: Recognizing the influence of handedness on bite force distribution can aid clinicians in diagnosing functional asymmetries and planning restorative or prosthetic treatments more effectively.