Did you know that chewing your food longer can help with weight control? According to our dentist in Plano, TX, chewing more may be the key to feeling and staying full. But many people eat too fast and don’t chew enough. And when you don’t chew enough, your body may not realize you are full, causing you to overeat.
Our five-star dentist in Plano, TX, knows that healthy teeth and gums are essential for good chewing. So, if you have dental problems, you may struggle to chew well and, subsequently, struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Taking care of your teeth at Family Wellness Dentistry in Plano, TX, allows you to enjoy food and stay healthy. Call us at (972) 867-5989 to get care now!
By chewing more, you help your body digest food better. You also give your brain time to recognize that you are getting full. In today’s post, our dentist in Plano, TX, explains how chewing more can help you eat less and maintain a healthy weight.
How Chewing More Helps Control Hunger
Chewing your food well helps your brain catch up with your stomach. Your stomach takes about 20 minutes to relay signals to your brain that you are full. If you eat too fast, you may eat more than your body actually needs, especially if you are eating soft or ultra-processed foods.
Our family dentist in Plano, TX, recommends slowing down, chewing more, and avoiding soft and ultra-processed foods to avoid overeating. But here’s another reason to chew more:
When you chew thoroughly, your body produces more saliva. This is important because saliva contains digestive enzymes that help break down food before it reaches your stomach. This makes digestion easier and helps you absorb more nutrients from your food.
Our dentist in Plano, TX, also explains that chewing longer can help you enjoy your food more. When you chew slowly, you taste the flavors better and feel more satisfied. This means you won’t feel as hungry later, making it easier to control your weight.
Why You Need Healthy Teeth to Chew Properly
Our dentist in Plano, TX, knows that healthy teeth and gums are required for good chewing. However, if you have missing teeth, cavities, or gum disease, chewing can be painful. And when chewing hurts, you might eat soft, processed foods that aren’t good for your health.
Healthy teeth allow you to chew fruits, vegetables, and lean meats properly. These foods keep you full longer and provide the nutrients your body needs. Our dentist in Plano, TX, encourages regular dental checkups to keep your teeth in great shape.
If you struggle with chewing, talk to a dentist in Plano, TX. Dr. Ankita Patel or Dr. Fred Rabinowitz can check for cavities, gum disease, or alignment issues that may make chewing difficult. Fixing these problems can help you eat better and stay at a healthy weight.
How Poor Chewing Affects Digestion
According to our dentist in Plano, TX, digestion actually begins in the mouth because chewing and saliva break food down before it ever reaches the stomach. However, when you don’t chew well, your stomach has to work a lot harder to break down food. This can lead to bloating, discomfort, and poor nutrient absorption.
Chewing properly allows digestive enzymes in your saliva to begin breaking down food. This helps your stomach process food more easily. Our dentist in Plano, TX, recommends taking small bites and chewing each bite 20 to 30 times before gulping everything down.
If you have frequent stomach issues, it could be because you are not chewing enough. Our dentist in Plano, TX, suggests slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and drinking water with your meals to aid digestion.
The Link Between Chewing and Weight Loss
Many people try strict diets to lose weight, but they may not realize that simply chewing more can help. Studies show that people who chew their food longer eat fewer calories.
Here’s why: When you chew longer, you feel full sooner and are less likely to snack later.
Our dentist in Plano, TX, reminds patients that weight loss doesn’t have to be complicated. Small habits like eating slowly and mindfully can make a big difference in your overall calorie intake and body composition.
How to Improve Your Chewing Habits
Here are some simple tips from our dentist in Plano, TX, to improve your chewing habits:
- Take smaller bites so you can chew food properly.
- Put your fork down between bites to slow down eating.
- Focus on the texture and taste of your food while chewing.
- Avoid distractions like TV or phones while eating.
- Sip water between bites to help with digestion.
By practicing these habits, you can improve digestion and support healthy weight management. Our dentist in Plano, TX, encourages you to be mindful when eating and enjoy your meals at a relaxed pace.
The Importance of Regular Dental Check-ups
If you have trouble chewing, our dentist in Plano, TX, can help. Regular dental visits with Dr. Patel or Dr. Rabinowitz ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy. Our team will check for cavities, gum disease, and other issues that could affect your ability to chew.
If you have missing teeth, our dentist in Plano, TX, may recommend dental implants, bridges, or dentures. These solutions restore your ability to chew properly so you can enjoy a balanced diet. Keeping up with dental care helps you maintain a strong bite and overall health.
Foods That Support Good Chewing and Healthy Teeth
Our dentist in Plano, TX, suggests eating foods that promote strong teeth and healthy chewing. Some good choices include:
- Fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery
- Lean meats that require thorough chewing
- Nuts and seeds that strengthen jaw muscles
- Dairy products that provide calcium for strong teeth
Try to steer clear of too many sugary and processed foods that can encourage bacterial growth and damage your teeth. Our dentist in Plano, TX, reminds patients that a healthy diet supports both oral health and weight management.
Better Teeth, Better Chewing, Better You at Family Wellness Dentistry
Our dentist in Plano, TX, wants you to know that chewing more can support healthy digestion, weight control, and overall well-being. But remember: You need healthy teeth and gums to chew properly and enjoy a nutritious diet.
If you have dental problems that make chewing difficult, don’t ignore them. Schedule a check-up with Drs. Patel and Rabinowitz here, or call Family Wellness Dentistry at (972) 867-5989 to start chewing your way to better health today!