We chew between 800 and 1,400 times a day. Although it comes naturally, it is an important activity. That is why we have listed some facts about chewing.
Chewing well is important, but how often should you chew a bite? 20 to 30 times is a commonly heard answer to this question. But usually it comes down to chewing until the bite feels 'good' to swallow.
Read also: '5 mistakes you can make when brushing your teeth'
Today most food is processed. This makes it softer and we don't have to chew our food as long as people used to.
When you chew, your body gets a signal that food is coming. Your stomach is about to prepare. By chewing you also produce more saliva, which is necessary to make the food soft, to swallow properly and to clean the mouth again.
Almost everyone has a preferred side to chew. Still, it's better to switch the side you chew with every now and then. That is better for your teeth, but also for your muscles. Your jaw can become overloaded by chewing. With these tips you can relax tense jaws.
While chewing, you use different muscles in your jaw. When you chew too much, your muscles can 'grow' and the shape of your face can change slightly.
Different studies provide different evidence, but it could be that chewing (especially gum) affects how your brain works. To remember something, you sometimes repeat information in your head. Chewing the activity could make it harder for you to remember.
One experiment found that gum-chewing people had a faster reaction time. An MRI scan showed that 8 brain areas are active while chewing gum.
Chewing could help with short-term stress. That may explain why people bite their pens or nails in stressful situations.
