We chew between 800 and 1,400 times a day. This instinctive action is vital for digestion and oral health, which is why we've compiled these eight essential facts.
Thorough chewing aids digestion, but there's no one-size-fits-all count. The common advice of 20 to 30 times per bite is a guideline, yet the real key is chewing until the food feels smooth and ready to swallow comfortably.
Read also: '5 mistakes you can make when brushing your teeth'
Today's processed foods are softer, requiring less chewing than the tougher, natural diets of the past.
Chewing signals your body that food is incoming, prompting stomach preparation. It also boosts saliva production, which softens food for easier swallowing, supports digestion, and cleans your mouth.
Most people favor one side, but alternating helps distribute wear evenly on teeth and muscles, preventing jaw overload. These tips can also relieve tense jaw muscles.
Chewing engages key jaw muscles, and excessive chewing can lead to muscle growth, subtly altering facial shape over time.
Studies show mixed results, but chewing—especially gum—might interfere with brain function, making it harder to mentally rehearse and retain information.
One study found gum chewers reacted faster, with MRI scans revealing activity in eight brain regions during chewing.
Chewing can reduce short-term stress, explaining habits like biting pens or nails under pressure.
