Biting Off More than You Can Chew? | Family 1st Dental Wayne NE

dentist_Wayne_68787_Family_1st_Dental


dentist_Wayne_68787_Family_1st_Dental

It is not uncommon for many of us to grab a bite to eat in a hurry. Americans have grown accustomed to bigger food portions at restaurants, but our mouths have not. Trying to fit that oversized sandwich or apple in your mouth might be worse for you than you have ever imagined. Below are some reasons why this could be detrimental for your oral health and what you can do about it.  

Why This Is a Problem 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), taking bites that are too big for you to chew can not only cause jaw and teeth issues, it can also cause digestive problems. Discomfort, swelling and difficulty eating may result from opening your jaw too wide. Taking large bites may also result in food not being chewed thoroughly, which can lead to weight gain and digestive issues.  

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD) 

Constantly opening your jaw too wide becomes an even larger problem for people with temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). The temporomandibular joint connects the jaw to the skull bones enabling movement during chewing. People with TMD, usually have a restriction with how wide they can open their jaws. Taking large bites of food, especially hard foods like apples, can aggravate this condition making pain and jaw clicking worse.  

What You Can Do 

If you have food that is too large to chew or starts to cause jaw discomfort, try cutting your food into smaller portions. This makes food easier to eat with less hassle. Also consider eating softer foods that won’t harm your teeth or irritate your jaw.  

Tip: Avoid chewing on ice, popcorn kernels, hard candies, and opening nuts with your teeth. This can lead to a chipped tooth! 

Contact our team today to schedule an exam and cleaning.

Family 1st Dental of Wayne
Phone: (402) 375-2889
401 North Main Street
Wayne, NE 68787

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Wayne Dental Office

Wayne Location

1108 W. 7th Street,
Wayne, NE 68787

(402) 375-2889

p14279196577476

Our Dental News

Dentist in Wayne NE

The Sweet Truth About Cavities: Exploring the Relationship between Sugar and Dental Health | Wayne NE Dentist

Sugar is often blamed for causing cavities, but the truth is a bit more complicated than that. Cavities, also known as dental caries, are caused by bacteria in the mouth that produce acid when they feed on carbohydrates, including sugar. […]

Learn More
Dentist in Wayne NE

Exploring the Potential Link Between Gum Disease and Cancer: What You Need to Know | Dentist Wayne, NE

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is caused by bacterial infection of the gum tissue, which can lead to inflammation, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss. […]

Learn More
Dentist in Wayne NE

Are Your Medications Damaging Your Oral Health? | Dentist Wayne

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of all Americans are currently taking prescription medications and more than half take vitamins or other dietary supplements. Even when used as directed and under medical supervision, you […]

Learn More