How to Chew With Your Mouth Closed

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Chewing with your mouth closed is good etiquette as you grow up. Sometimes, it is hard to remember to chew with your mouth closed. You might also need some practice.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-1.jpg\/aid423510-v4-728px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Close your mouth and chew with your back teeth. Use one or two sticks of gum for this practice. Remember to breathe through your nose, not through your mouth. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6b\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-2.jpg\/aid423510-v4-728px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Put a little bit of the food into your mouth. Now close your mouth, chewing with only your back teeth. Chew slowly; this helps you keep your mouth closed.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-3.jpg\/aid423510-v4-728px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is no reason to open your mouth. Still chew with it closed.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-4.jpg\/aid423510-v4-728px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Follow the same principle: small portions at first, then slowly work your way up. Chew slowly.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/90\/Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-5.jpg\/aid423510-v4-728px-Chew-Mouth-Closed-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":484,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/2.5\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While these may make noise, it is no excuse to open your mouth while chewing.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I started to practice eating with my mouth closed, but I have breathing issues after eating. How do I overcome this?
    Community Answer
    When your nose is plugged or you just can't breathe, take smaller bites, or pause your chewing and take a breath through a slightly opened mouth. If "after eating" refers to after you swallow, you may have other problems.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 41
  • Question
    How do I chew with my mouth closed if I can't close my mouth due to injuries?
    Community Answer
    If you can't close your mouth, you can't chew with your mouth closed. Just apologize ahead of time to the people you're eating with, I'm sure they'll understand.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 27
  • Question
    My mom asks me to stop chewing with my mouth open and I just can't seem to stop. How do I chew with my mouth closed?
    Community Answer
    If you can't stop, try to chew with your mouth slightly open. The food won't be as visible, and it will be more helpful.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 53 Helpful 22
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • If you are having trouble believing that you look awful chewing with your mouth open, set up a video camera or mirror and check yourself out.
        Thanks
      • If you find your self eating alone, print this out and read it prior to eating your meals.
        Thanks
      • Reward yourself for every day you chew with your mouth closed. It will help and encourage you to continue improving.
        Thanks
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Kick People out Politely
      How to
      Blow Your Nose
      How to Hold and Eat with Chopsticks (Plus, Some Handy Table Etiquette)
      How to
      Use a Fork and Knife
      Holding Chopsticks Properly (With Asian Dining Etiquette Tips)
      How to
      Have Good Table Manners
      How to
      Use a Napkin with Proper Table Etiquette
      How to
      Chew Food Properly
      How to Properly Hold a Spoon
      How to
      Accept an Invitation for Dinner
      How To Properly Hold and Use Wooden Chopsticks
      How to
      Summon a Waiter Politely
      How to
      Eat Elegantly
      How to
      Use a Fork
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_t9wXwkw6Y8
      2. https://nutritionstudies.org/time-chew-digestive-system-starts-mouth/
      3. https://www.mindful.org/6-ways-practice-mindful-eating/

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 188,659 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Larry Pajaro

        Nov 12, 2017

        "I just forget to close my mouth while chewing. Plus don't forget about talking with mouth full of food."
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement