You might not give much thought to chewing your food. Most of us, as children, were told by our parents (probably repeatedly) to properly chew our food. While you might not think much about it now, as an adult, it’s still incredibly important. Chewing your food properly is vital to good health.
First and foremost, digestion starts in the mouth.
When you begin eating, you might assume that digestion doesn’t begin until the food reaches your stomach where it’s broken down by the acids there. In reality, digestion begins the second food enters your mouth.
In your mouth are millions upon millions of bacteria. Most of this bacteria is good and that helps to begin breaking down food particles, making it easier for the rest of your body to digest your food. The more you chew, the easier it is on your body to absorb the nutrients and vitamins contained in the food.
If you don’t chew your food very much, your body is likely missing out on some important nutrition.
Taking care of your teeth is the first step.
When you chew properly, your food should be broken down significantly. If you have any type of tooth pain or other tooth issues, it can make it difficult for you to chew your food properly. You may also have to give up certain foods if you wear dentures, bridges, or even implants. The last thing you want to do is to break something in your mouth while you’re eating.
If you’re having a difficult time chewing your food properly because of pain or discomfort, it’s time to visit your dentist right away. Pain is an indication that something is not right. If you ignore it, the problem will only grow worse and the work necessary to correct it can be much more significant in the future.