Chewing of Food - Mastication

Mastication is the process of chewing food in the mouth. It is the first step in the process of digestion where the food is broken down into smaller pieces in order to make it easier to swallow and digest.

How does it work?

- The process of mastication starts when food enters the mouth.
- The teeth are used to grind and crush the food into smaller pieces.
- The tongue and saliva also play a role in mastication by moving the food around the mouth and moistening it.
- As the food is chewed, it mixes with saliva which contains enzymes that start the process of breaking down carbohydrates.

Why is mastication important?

- Mastication helps to break down the food into smaller pieces which makes it easier to swallow and digest.
- It also helps to mix the food with saliva which contains digestive enzymes that start the process of digestion.
- Chewing food properly can also help to prevent digestive problems such as indigestion and bloating.

Conclusion

Mastication is an important process in the digestive system that helps to break down food into smaller pieces and mix it with saliva in order to start the process of digestion. Chewing food properly can help to prevent digestive problems and improve overall digestive health.