Biting Off More than You Can Chew?  | South Sioux City Dentist

best_cosmetic_dentistry_near_south_sioux_city

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 South Sioux City
Phone: (402) 494-2144
3220 Plaza Drive
South Sioux City, NE 68776

Return to Blog Articles

Visit Our South Sioux City Dental Office

South Sioux City Location

3220 Plaza Drive,
South Sioux City, NE 68776

(402) 494-2144

Screen Shot 2019-07-23 at 11.11.46 AM

Our Dental News

ssouth_sioux_city_dentist

Are You at Risk for Hairy Tongue?  | South Sioux City Family Dentist

You may not realize it, but you could be at risk of developing an unsightly medical condition known as hairy tongue. While it is harmless in most cases, hairy tongue is still an unpleasant ailment. The causes are not always […]

Learn More
best_cosmetic_dentistry_near_south_sioux_city

Biting Off More than You Can Chew?  | South Sioux City 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 […]

Learn More
family_dentistry_near_south_sioux_city

Filling in the Gaps: Your Options for Missing Teeth | South Sioux City NE Dental Care

Are you embarrassed to show your smile because of missing teeth? For many people, missing teeth can create a feeling of diminished self-confidence. Modern dentistry can not only replace the gaps in your smile, our team can also create long-term […]

Learn More