Chewing predominantly on one side of your mouth can lead to several problems.
Uneven Muscle Development
The most significant consequence of consistently chewing on one side is the uneven development of your chewing muscles (masseter and temporalis muscles). Prolonged unilateral chewing strengthens the muscles on the dominant side, while the muscles on the other side weaken from lack of use. This imbalance can manifest as:
- Facial asymmetry: Noticeable differences in the size or shape of your jawline or face.
- TMJ problems (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders): The uneven muscle development can strain the temporomandibular joint, leading to pain, clicking, or limited jaw movement.
- Headaches: Muscle tension from the imbalance can contribute to headaches, especially tension headaches.
Therefore, the habit of chewing on one side of the jaw can lead to some of the following problems: Uneven development of the chewing muscles. Performing unilateral chewing for a long time will cause the muscles to develop only on one side, and the other side will be contracted due to lack of exercise.
Tips for Addressing Unilateral Chewing
If you're aware that you chew primarily on one side, try to consciously switch sides. This helps maintain muscle balance and reduces the risk of the problems listed above. You might find it helpful to:
- Be mindful: Pay attention to which side you're chewing on during meals.
- Set reminders: Use alarms or notes as reminders to switch sides.
- Practice: Consciously try chewing on the weaker side, even if it feels strange at first.
