How to Chew With Your Mouth Closed

Last Updated: November 6, 2019

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

1
Practice with chewing gum. 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]
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2
Start out with small portions of food; first soft food, like ice-cream or yogurt. 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.

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3
Once you have mastered it with the soft foods, try chewing larger portions at a time, as you would normally eat. This is no reason to open your mouth. Still chew with it closed.
4
Move on to the more solid foods now, like fruits, rice, and bread. Follow the same principle: small portions at first, then slowly work your way up. Chew slowly.
5
Once you are past this stage, try the hardest foods, such as granola bars and cereals. While these may make noise, it is no excuse to open your mouth while chewing.

Community Q&A

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.
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.
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.