Do you chew on just one side of your mouth? Many people do. There’s nothing wrong with this common behaviour if it’s just something you do once in a while. Doing it regularly is a different story.
Most people only eat this way if something in their mouth is bothering them, and the behaviour itself can cause more oral health problems over time. Let’s look at some of the most common issues that cause one-sided chewing, identify some of the long-term risks involved, and explore some treatment options that could help.
Why You Might Chew on Just One Side
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity drives most of the one-sided chewing behaviour we see in our patients. If you experience pain every time you chew in a certain spot, of course you’re going to avoid doing that! Sticking to just one side rarely eliminates the pain, but it might make it bearable enough for you to get some food down.
Jaw Problems
Some people with chronic jaw issues experience more pain and stiffness on one side of their mouth than the other. You might find it hard to open your jaw wide enough to chew on that side, and the chewing motion might aggravate the sore muscles and joints there too.
Missing Teeth
If you’re missing one or more teeth on one side of your mouth (especially molars), you might find it hard to chew on that side. You’ve got less tooth surface area to use to grind up your food, and residue may get stuck in the gaps.
Misaligned Teeth
Dental problems like crooked teeth and open bite reduce the number of contact points between your teeth and make it harder to chew. You might find yourself favouring whichever side of your mouth makes chewing easier, especially when eating things like steak or crusty bread.
Why You Shouldn’t Do It
You might be chewing on one side for a reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to keep doing it long-term. Here are just some of the issues it can lead to.
Jaw Strain
Chewing on just one side doubles the amount of work your jaw has to do on that side. The muscles there quickly wear themselves out, causing them to get stiff and sore.
Accelerated Tooth Wear
Each of your teeth is meant to absorb a tiny fraction of the force of each bite you take. When you chew on one side, you remove half your teeth from the equation. Your remaining teeth will be subjected to much more pressure and friction, causing the enamel on their biting surfaces to wear down faster than normal.
You might notice the cusps of your molars and premolars growing shorter or yellowish spots appearing on the tops of your teeth. These are signs of enamel loss, a permanent problem that can leave teeth extra-sensitive and more vulnerable to decay.
Cracked and Broken Teeth
The extra pressure from uneven bite forces can also cause teeth to crack and break under the strain. These are serious tooth injuries that require an immediate dental visit. Your dentist will assess the damage and figure out whether the tooth can be saved. If the break is too deep, you may need to have the tooth extracted.
Increased Risk of Cavities
Chewing on just one side exposes the teeth on that side to more food particles than normal. You’re more likely to get some food debris stuck in the crevices of your molars or between your teeth. This feeds the bacteria in those spots, giving them more time to break through your tooth enamel and create a cavity.
Treating the Problem
So how can you stop this bad habit and protect your teeth from further damage? The best way is to address the underlying issues causing the behaviour.
Get Examined for TMJ Problems
Jaw pain is often due to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your dentist can examine your jaw to figure out if TMJ dysfunction is behind your chewing issues and develop a treatment plan to help you eat with less pain.
Get Your Cavities Filled
If you think you might have untreated cavities in your mouth, visit your dentist for a comprehensive exam. They’ll take X-rays to confirm the presence of decay and set up an appointment to get any problem areas drilled and filled.
Consider Orthodontic Treatment
Most dentists can treat crooked or gapped teeth with Invisalign aligners. This form of treatment is highly effective, more discreet than traditional braces, and easy to brush and floss with. It takes patience, but wearing your aligners consistently will move your teeth into their proper positions and make it easier for you to chew properly.
Let Us Help You Enjoy Food to the Fullest
You deserve to eat comfortably, and that means using both sides of your mouth. Our dentists at Coscarella Family Dentistry can help you figure out what’s driving your one-sided chewing behaviour and propose a treatment plan to correct the problem. Contact us today to book a dental exam and get started.
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