In the age of Ozempic, many of us are looking for an easy and fast way to reach or maintain a healthy weight. But, according to our Austin dentist, simply chewing more and savoring each bite of your food can help promote healthier body weight. That’s right – chewing plays a big role in how full we feel after eating, and it’s something we often overlook, especially if chewing is painful.
Cavities, gum disease, misaligned teeth, and tooth loss can all impact chewing, making it harder to eat the foods you need for optimal nutrition. So, if you’re dealing with these issues, address them with Austin Laser Dentist in Austin, TX. Call Dr. Helen Ragsdale at (512) 346-4690 for an appointment now!
Chewing Helps You Feel Full
Let’s start with the basics. According to our Austin dentist, chewing your food properly helps send signals to your brain that it’s time to stop eating.
When you chew, your body gets the message that you’re full and satisfied. This is called satiety. The more you chew, the more your brain gets these messages.
So, when you chew your food slowly and thoroughly, you’re helping your body feel full faster. This can lead to eating less and maintaining a healthier weight.
The Role of Healthy Teeth in Proper Chewing
Now, let’s talk about the importance of having healthy teeth and gums. To chew food properly, our Austin dentist says that you need strong, healthy teeth.
If you have cavities, gum disease, or loose teeth, chewing becomes more difficult. This means you might end up swallowing bigger bites of food without properly breaking it down. When this happens, your brain doesn’t get those satiety signals as quickly, and you may end up eating more than you should.
Our Austin dentist is here to remind you that regular dental check-ups are key to keeping your teeth strong and healthy! If you’re having trouble chewing or experiencing pain while eating, it’s time to visit Dr. Ragsdale.
How Chewing Affects Digestion
Chewing also plays a big role in digestion. When you chew your food well, you’re breaking it down into smaller, easily digestible pieces. This makes it easier for your stomach and intestines to break down food and extract nutrients.
Our Austin dentist can help keep your teeth in tip-top shape so you can chew properly and improve your digestion.
Chewing and Portion Control
Here’s something else to think about: Chewing can help you with portion control.
When you chew slowly, you give your body time to realize it’s had enough. If you eat too quickly, you might end up eating more food than your body needs before you feel full. Chewing your food well helps you avoid this and keep your portions just right.
Build Healthy Teeth and Gums with an Austin Dentist Today!
The next time you sit down for a meal, remember that chewing plays a big role in body-weight maintenance, and having healthy teeth and gums is key to this. That’s why our Austin dentist is always here to help keep your smile healthy and strong. So, contact Dr. Helen Ragsdale here, or call Austin Laser Dentist at (512) 346-4690 for a healthier smile and a healthier you now!