Biting Off More than You Can Chew? | 51040 Dentist

51040 dentist

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 shared by our dentist in 51040 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 dental cleaning at our dental office in Onawa, IA.

Family 1st Dental of Onawa
Phone: (712) 433-3937
909 Iowa Avenue
Onawa, IA 51040

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our Onawa Dental Office

Dentist Onawa

Onawa Location

909 Iowa Avenue,
Onawa, IA 51040

(712) 433-3937

Fam1st 23599_365r Duarte HS

Our Dental News

Dentist Onawa

Onawa dentist

Understanding the Relationship Between Acid Levels and Tooth Decay | Onawa IA Dentist

Acid levels in the mouth can have a major impact on the likelihood of developing tooth decay. When the acid levels in the mouth are too high, it can cause the enamel of the teeth to become weakened, leading to […]

Learn More
onawa IA dentist

Daily Flossing | Onawa IA Dentist

We’ve all been told at least once in our life that flossing daily is crucial. Here are four reasons why flossing may be beneficial for your oral health routine:  We are pleased to offer a variety of oral health solutions […]

Learn More
Dentist Onawa IA

Fruit Juice & Your Teeth: A Message From Your Dentist | Onawa IA Dentist

Don’t be fooled by the label “100 percent fruit juice.” Drinks advertised in this way might seem like a healthy choice, but these drinks may be doing more harm than good. In fact, fruit juices contain sugar that can lead […]

Learn More