Digestion Starts in the Mouth!

When you think about digestion, you probably envision important internal organs, such as the stomach and intestines. The truth is, though, that the digestive process starts well before food reaches those areas. In fact, it starts in the mouth! In this blog post, we will explore the mouth’s role in digestion and provide information that may help your child to get the most benefit from their meals.

The Mouth’s Role in Digestion

The moment food enters the mouth, several important processes start to take place.
The teeth, each with a distinct shape and function, work together to cut, tear, and grind food into increasingly smaller and more manageable pieces. This mechanical breakdown is crucial, since it increases the surface area of the food, making it easier for digestive enzymes to act upon it later in the process.

At the same time, the salivary glands release saliva, which serves several purposes. Saliva contains water to moisten food, making it softer and smoother. It also contains enzymes such as amylase, which begin the chemical breakdown of certain nutrients, especially carbohydrates.

The tongue assists in moving food around, mixing it thoroughly with saliva and forming it into a cohesive mass called a bolus. This preparation in the mouth helps to make swallowing safer and more efficient, reducing the risk of choking and supporting the subsequent stages of digestion.

What if Your Child Is Not Chewing Properly?

Indeed, chewing food plays a crucial role in helping the human body get the most out of its food! But what if it seems like your child is not chewing properly? The source of the problem may be related to dental health. Unresolved dental issues can create barriers to effective chewing, which can disrupt healthy digestion and even lead to discomfort during mealtime.

Cavities may cause pain when biting or chewing, while misaligned teeth can prevent food from being broken down evenly. Gum discomfort or infections may also contribute to a reluctance to chew thoroughly.

When food enters the digestive tract in larger chunks because it was not adequately chewed, the stomach and intestines must work harder. This can result in digestive discomfort or even nutritional imbalances because nutrients may not be absorbed efficiently.

Dental Care Promotes Proper Chewing and Digestion
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Addressing dental concerns through regular visits to your child’s pediatric dentist allows for early detection and treatment of issues such as cavities, misalignment, and gum disease. The dentist may suggest treatments or preventive measures, such as dental sealants, orthodontic evaluation, or improved oral hygiene practices at home.
The mouth is the gateway to the human body, and it needs to be well cared for! If you notice that your child is struggling to bite and chew properly, now is the time to consult a qualified dental professional.

Meet the Practice
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Dr. Adrienne Archidiacono-Jeanis, affectionately known as Dr. A, is a board-certified pediatric dentist in Aledo, TX. She and our team can identify and address many of the dental issues that hinder proper chewing and digestion. To learn more about us or to request a consultation for your young one, contact our office at 817-406-2025.

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