Our dentist in Homewood wants you to know that chewing isn’t just about breaking down food – chewing impacts how full you feel and how much you eat. Yep, that’s right. Chewing more and savoring each bite is key to feeling fuller while reducing caloric intake. But chewing becomes significantly harder when you don’t have healthy teeth and gums.
Broken, missing, decayed, and misaligned teeth can all affect chewing ability. So, if you’re living with dental problems, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Call (708) 799-5353 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alex Shore at Signature Smile Arts in beautiful Homewood, IL.
In today’s blog, our dentist in Homewood, IL, explains how chewing can impact your body weight and why maintaining optimal oral health is so important. Let’s get started!
Chewing Helps You Feel Full
When you chew your food thoroughly, your brain has more time to register that you’re eating. Here’s why that’s important:
Your body produces hormones that let your brain know when you are hungry. Once you begin to eat, these hormones start to level out. As these hunger-related hormones level out, your brain gets the message that your stomach is full, telling you to stop eating. This whole process usually takes 20 minutes.
According to our dentist in Homewood, the longer you chew each bite, the more time you give your brain to get hormonal signals that you are eating and getting fuller. As a result, the slower you eat, the more aware you become of how full you are getting, which typically reduces caloric intake. So, chewing is a very simple way to support healthy weight maintenance!
The Science Behind Chewing and Digestion
Chewing is the first step in digestion. When you chew, enzymes in your saliva break down food and make it easier for your gastrointestinal tract to process.
Proper chewing allows your body to absorb nutrients much more effectively. And, according to our dentist in Homewood, chewing thoroughly can also help you avoid digestive issues like bloating and indigestion.
Healthy Teeth Are Key to Proper Chewing
You need strong, healthy teeth to chew properly. If you have missing teeth, dental damage, cavities, or gum disease, chewing can become difficult or painful. This may lead to avoiding certain nutritious foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins.
Regular dental check-ups with our dentist in Homewood, IL, are key to keeping your teeth and gums in top shape.
How Poor Oral Health Affects Your Diet
When your teeth hurt, you may choose softer, processed foods that are easier to eat. Unfortunately, these foods are often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Plus, they require very little chewing, which effectively bypasses the hormonal mechanisms intended to prevent overeating. This can contribute to weight gain.
Our dentist in Homewood encourages you to prioritize your oral health so you can enjoy a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods.
Tips for Better Chewing and Oral Health
Slow Down
Take your time and chew each bite thoroughly. Aim for about 20 to 30 chews before swallowing each bite.
Visit Your Dentist in Homewood
Regular checkups with our dentist in Homewood can prevent dental problems that affect chewing.
Brush and Floss Daily
Keep your teeth and gums healthy by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home.
Eat Crunchy Fruits and Veggies
Fibrous foods promote thorough chewing. So, if you’re feeling snacky, reach for treats like celery, apples, or carrots.
Schedule a Visit with Your Dentist in Homewood, IL!
Regular dental check-ups at Signature Smile Arts are the key to strong teeth and a healthy weight. So, schedule a dental appointment in Homewood, IL, here, or call Dr. Alex Shore at (708) 799-5353 to start chewing your way to better health!
