Although our parents always told us to take small bites and to take our time chewing food, we often forget about this sound advice as we wolf down meals in a our fast paced lives. Hopefully, understanding the damage that this may cause can remind us to be more mindful during our next meal.
Lacerations – Be careful: taking large bites of hard, crunchy foods can cause cuts in the mouth, as the sharp edges of food rub against the sides of the mouth.
Acid reflux and erosion – Not chewing properly can result in the stomach producing too much acid when digesting the food. This excess acid ends up reaching the mouth and eroding the enamel on your teeth.
Jaw pain – Opening your mouth too wide in order to take large bites and chew large mouthfuls can stretch the jaw painfully; especially at risk are people with TMJ, as their jaws are already strained.
Chipped teeth – Biting into hard candies or ice can break off a piece of your tooth or existing dental restorations. If you experience a chipped tooth, place it in a glass of milk to keep it moist, and then get to your dentist immediately.
