Chewing side preference

Have you ever thought about which side's molars you mainly use when eating? When eating without paying attention, people often realize they have been using only one side of their teeth. This can vary with the type of food and how you feel that day, so it is more of an individual tendency than a completely fixed rule. It is not a diagnosis, but a term describing an everyday chewing pattern.

Interestingly, some reports suggest that people tend to chew on the same side as their dominant hand: right-handed people mainly on the right, and left-handed people mainly on the left. However, this is not a rule that applies to everyone.

• They avoid the uncomfortable side. Cavities, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, or gum pain can lead people to chew on the opposite, pain-free side.
• The condition of the teeth plays a role. If molars are missing on one side, or a person rests one side after dental treatment, this can become a lasting habit.
• The bite differs between sides. If the upper and lower teeth fit together differently on the left and right, one side may feel more comfortable for chewing.
• Jaw joint discomfort can also play a role. If one side of the jaw makes sounds or feels sore, chewing may shift to the opposite side.
• It is simply familiar. Many people have a side they have been used to chewing on since childhood.

“Left- and right-side chewing habits” is a way of comparing chewing evenly on both sides with chewing predominantly on one side. It is used when discussing how the chewing load is distributed between the left and right sides—in other words, chewing force and muscle use.

Using both sides evenly distributes the chewing load, so the muscles on one side do not have to work disproportionately hard. When chewing favors one side, the muscles of mastication on that side are used more often and more forcefully and develop more, while the opposite side receives relatively less stimulation. These side-to-side differences naturally come up when discussing differences in facial contours, such as Masticatory muscle hypertrophy or Facial asymmetry.

• The cheek and side of the jaw (masseter muscle) on the side used more often may feel firm or more sore.
• That side of the jaw tires first when chewing for a long time.
• In the mirror, the contours of the cheeks or jawline may look slightly different on the two sides.
• Some people's jaws shift slightly to one side or make a sound when they open their mouths (Temporomandibular joint sounds).

• Try alternating sides within each mouthful. At first, consciously alternate between the left and right sides. Chew a mouthful a few times on one side, then move it to the other side and continue chewing. It may feel awkward at first, but gradually becomes more comfortable.
• Start on the side you use less. Starting the first mouthful of a meal on your less-used side can help remind you of the habit.
• Cut food into small pieces and chew slowly. Taking smaller mouthfuls makes it easier to divide chewing between both sides.
• Take care not to chew hard foods on only one side. Alternating sides is especially important for comfort when eating hard or tough foods.
• Try alternating sides when chewing gum, too.
• Address dental problems first. If you avoid one side because it is uncomfortable, the underlying cause needs to be treated first for the habit to change. Have the condition checked at a dental clinic.
• Gently relax the jaw muscles. Gently massaging the cheek on your frequently used side with your fingers can make it feel more comfortable. See Temporomandibular disorder self-management for simple ways to manage it.

• When your jaw hurts or you have difficulty opening your mouth
• When you frequently hear a “click” when opening or closing your mouth (Temporomandibular disorders)
• When one side of your face looks noticeably different or the difference seems to be increasing
• When you also grind your teeth at night or clench them during the day (Bruxism, Tooth clenching)

In these situations, it can help to have your bite and jaw joints assessed at a dental clinic or an oral medicine department.