Age factor effect on maximum molar bite force of individuals with down syndrome

To determine reference patterns of right (RMBF) and left (LMBF) maximum molar bite force of individuals with Down syndrome over the years and to compare them with individuals without Down syndrome. 100 individuals with Down syndrome were divided into age groups: 8-12 years (DSGI, n = 28), 13-20 years (DSGII, n = 30), 21-40 years (DSGIII, n = 29) and 41-60 years (DSGIV, n = 13). The Down syndrome age groups were matched subject to subject with their respective controls without Down syndrome (CGI, CGII, CGIII and CGIV). The RMBF and LMBF records were captured by digital dynamometer. There was statistically significant difference for LMBF in DSG over the years (P = 0.00), with higher bite force for DSGII. In the comparison of age range between Down syndrome group and control group, was observed statistically significant difference in RMBF: DSGII vs CGII (P = 0.00), DSGIII vs CGIII (P = 0.00), DSGIV vs CGIV (P = 0.00) and LMBF: DSGI vs CGI (P = 0.00), DSGII vs CGII (P = 0.00), DSGIII vs CGIII (P = 0.00) and DSGIV vs CGIV (P = 0.00). The RMBF and LMBF of the age groups with Down syndrome were smaller when compared to the control groups. The results demonstrated reference patterns of molar bite force over the years for individuals with Down syndrome, with prevailing higher molar bite force for adolescents, gradual decrease of molar bite force over the years and lower force of individuals with Down syndrome when compared with control group.