Kauwkracht

Kauwkracht is a Dutch term that refers to the force produced by the jaw muscles during biting and chewing. In biomechanics and dentistry, it is commonly translated as bite force or masticatory force and is used as a measure of masticatory function and jaw performance.

The etymology is straightforward: kauwen means to chew, and kracht means force. The concept encompasses the maximum force the jaw can exert during clenching or chewing, as well as the distribution of force across different teeth.

Measurement of kauwkracht is typically performed with bite force transducers or pressure sensors placed between the teeth, usually in the molar region. Results are expressed in newtons (N). Maximum bite force is obtained by asking the subject to bite as hard as possible, though values vary with tooth position (molars generally generate higher forces than incisors), sensor type, and participant motivation. Some studies report force in terms of pressure or in comparative units, but newtons are common in clinical contexts.

Determinants of kauwkracht include age, sex, dental status (number and condition of teeth, restorations, and implants), occlusion and jaw alignment, temporomandibular joint health, muscle strength, and fatigue. Overall, molar bite forces exceed anterior bite forces, and tooth loss or poorly fitting prosthetics can reduce measured kauwkracht.

Applications of kauwkracht data include assessing masticatory function in clinical dentistry, guiding prosthetic design and dental implants, and monitoring rehabilitation after injury or surgery. In research, it supports studies on aging, nutrition, occlusion, and comparative biomechanics across species. Limitations of measurement include reliance on maximal effort, participant motivation, sensor placement, and the fact that bite force does not directly quantify chewing efficiency over a normal diet.