As a dental expert, I can tell you that the human mouth is a marvel of engineering and biology. The teeth are designed to withstand and exert a significant amount of force, which is essential for the process of mastication, or chewing. The force that teeth can exert varies greatly from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and dental health.

The bite force is a measure of the maximum force that can be exerted by the teeth when biting down. It is typically measured in Newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf). The average bite force for an adult human is around 200 to 300 Newtons, but this can range from as low as 100 Newtons to as high as 500 Newtons or more. The force exerted by the teeth is not uniform across the mouth; different teeth are designed to handle different amounts of force.

The molars, which are the large, flat teeth at the back of the mouth, are the most powerful teeth in terms of bite force. They are designed to grind and crush food, and as such, they can exert a tremendous amount of pressure. The second molar, as mentioned in your reference, can exert a force of up to 168 pounds-force, which is equivalent to approximately 756 Newtons. This is a significant amount of force, and it is a testament to the strength and durability of the human teeth.

The total bite pressure, which is the pressure exerted by the teeth when biting down, is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The average total bite pressure is around 5600 psi, but this can vary depending on the individual and the specific teeth involved. This pressure is what allows us to effectively break down food into smaller pieces that can be more easily digested.

It's important to note that the teeth are not just passive structures that simply react to the forces applied to them. They are dynamic and can adapt to changes in the forces they experience. For example, if a person frequently bites down on hard objects, their teeth may become stronger and more resistant to damage over time.

However, the teeth are not indestructible. Excessive force can lead to dental problems such as tooth fractures, enamel damage, and even root fractures. It's also worth mentioning that the force exerted by the teeth can have an impact on other parts of the oral cavity, such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can be affected by the forces generated during biting and chewing.

In conclusion, the teeth are remarkable structures that are capable of exerting a significant amount of force. This force is essential for the process of chewing and is a testament to the strength and adaptability of the human mouth. However, it's also important to be mindful of the potential for dental damage and to take steps to protect our teeth from excessive force.

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How Your Teeth Can Stand Up Under the Pressure. Your bite exerts tremendous pressure. Your bite force may be as much as 168 pounds at your second molar, and the total bite pressure is about 5600 pounds per square inch.read more >>