BACKGROUNDThe functional state of the masticatory system is best assessed by evaluating the bite force. The level of Maximum Bite Force (MBF) results from the combined action of the jaw elevator muscles; is modified by jaw biomechanics and reflex mechanisms. The measurement of bite force can provide useful data for the evaluation of jaw muscle function and activity. It is also an adjunctive value in assessing the performance of dentures or dental prosthesis. The bite force result depends on a number of factors, such as presence of pain and temporomandibular disorders, gender, age, craniofacial morphology and occlusal factors. In addition to these physiological factors, recording devices and techniques are important factors in bite force measurement. This article describes a device designed to measure patient jaw force that is accurate, simple and highly modular. We have vividly explained in detail about the development of a bite force device, Gnathodynamometer in this study. The device reported here represents the physiological use of a mechanical measuring device that has enhanced for human oral usage where it can be used to assess the complex function of human bite force and functional response of various cranio-mandibular structures associated with it.

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Background: Diabetic foot ulcer is a one of the major challenging problem to every surgeon in day to day practice. Superoxidised solution is an effective concept in the wound management. The present study was aimed to compare the efficacy of dressings with superoxidised solution versus povidine iodine in the management of infected diabetic ulcers.Methods: This is a randomized controlled study conducted over a period of one year. In our study, total of 60 patients presenting with infected diabetic ulcers are included. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each, group A (Topical superoxidised solution dressing) and group B (Topical povidine iodine dressing). Wound was observed for decrease in size of the ulcer, granulation, tissue quality and discharge from the wound at the end of each week for two weeks.Results: In the present study, 76.67% of patients in group A and B were males and the male to female ratio was 3.2:1. The mean age in group A was 55.90±14.27 years compared to 51.50±13.18 years in group B. The mean initial ulcer area in group A was 3882±1890 mm2 compared to 3992±2000 mm2 in group B. The mean post treatment final area in group A was significantly low (1607±862 mm2) compared to group B (2351±1240 mm2; p=0.009) and the comparison of mean change in ulcer area was significantly high in group A compared to group B (2215±1060 mm2 vs 1641±856 mm2; p=0.024). The mean percentage reduction in ulcer area among patients with group A was significantly high (58.90±5.21 percent vs. 40.90±8.76 percent; p=0.024). The commonest organism isolated in group A was Escherichia coli (26.67%) and in group B, it was staphylococcus. The culture was positive in 26% of the patients in group A compared to 50% in group B (p=0.063).Conclusions: Overall, topical superoxidised solution dressing for diabetic foot ulcer accelerated the healing process resulting in faster recovery through reduction in ulcer area compared to topical povidine iodine dressing.

BACKGROUNDMastication is directly related with maximum bite force, which is nothing but maximum biting force of individual during chewing food and is influenced by many factors. The main objective of this study is to analyse maximum biting force of subjects in varying age groups.