Mechanism of mastication - Process of chewing

During the masticatory process,the person generally chews on one side only at any one chewing stroke.Most of the work done by shifting material from one side to the other when convenient.The shifting is confined to the molar and premolar regions.The shift of mastication may be directed anteriorly.The posterior teeth or right or left side are depended upon by the host to do the major portion of the work of mastication.The posteriors are aided in various ways by the canines but the latter do not possess the broad occlusal surfaces required for chewing efficiency.

The food is manipulated by the tongue,lips and cheeks so that it is thrown between the teeth continuously during the mandibular movements which bring the teeth together in their various relations.The process is then repeated.The major portion os the work is done in the premolar and molar regions while the mandible is making right lateral and left lateral movements bringing the teeth in to right lateral and left lateral occlusal relation thus terminating the strokes of centric occlusion.