Tag: Oral physiology

The human digestive process begins not in the stomach, but the moment food enters the oral cavity. This crucial initial phase includes the mechanical digestion of carbohydrates in the mouth, a physical process that involves chewing and mixing to prepare food for the rest of its journey through the digestive tract.

According to research, the process of chewing food, known scientifically as mastication, can significantly influence nutrient absorption and digestion. This complex bodily function involves more than just grinding food with your teeth; it is a coordinated series of mechanical and chemical actions essential for breaking down food for the rest of the digestive tract.