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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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A dentist has lifted the lid on a common mealtime habit that could be harming people’s teeth.
Dr. Tony Taunk, a dental implant dentist, told Newsweek that rushing through meals can have a surprisingly negative impact on oral health.
According to a 2025 YouGov survey of more than 1,100 Americans, the majority of people are racing through their meals. Some 73 percent said they eat lunch in 20 minutes or less, with the largest share (41 percent) typically finishing in just 11 to 20 minutes.
Read More on Food & Drink
Dinner tends to last slightly longer, though still relatively brief—30 percent take between 21 and 30 minutes, while only 13 percent stretch their evening meal to between 31 and 45 minutes.
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Taunk said: “Chewing food is an essential mechanism to stimulate production of saliva, which the mouth needs to help wash away food particles and neutralize acids.
“A lack of saliva can allow bacteria to thrive and increase your risk of cavities and gum disease."
By not chewing food properly, people are exposed to large chunks of food which will increase wear and tear over time.
Taunk suggests chewing pieces of food 20 to 30 times, "until it becomes smooth," he said.
A 2021 Northwestern University study found that people who weren’t obese tended to take more bites during a meal and eat more quickly than those with obesity.
On average, they took around 49 bites per meal compared to about 36, and ate at a faster pace overall.
The Link Between Chewing and Oral Health
Taunk said poor chewing habits can lead to further issues beyond tooth wear.
He said: “It can also lead to indigestion or to small chunks of food becoming stuck in teeth, which can both contribute to bad breath.
“It’s important to be mindful when eating, to chew food properly and evenly and to protect your teeth and gums against unnecessary risks.”
Chewing is not just important for oral hygiene—it is also the first step in the digestive process. Breaking food down into smaller pieces makes it easier for the body to absorb nutrients, while stimulating the release of saliva, which mixes with food to aid digestion.
Saliva also plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment in the mouth, helping restore pH balance after meals and ensuring the mouth and throat remain properly lubricated.
Chewing May Boost Your Immune System
There could be additional benefits, too. Research published in 2017 by the University of Manchester and the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. found that chewing can help boost the mouth’s immune defenses.
The study showed that chewing stimulates immune cells known as Th17 cells, which help protect against bacteria and infections.
Simple Ways to Protect Your Teeth
Other helpful tips include making sure you are not distracted by influences such as watching screens while eating to ensure adequate chewing.
Along with taking a little more time at mealtimes could make a meaningful difference—not just for digestion, but for long-term dental health too.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Charlotte Nisbet and Emma Lee-Sang.
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