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This article was reviewed by Tami Claytor. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
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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
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![Step 1 Practice with chewing gum.]()
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] -
![Step 2 Start out with small portions of food; first soft food, like ice-cream or yogurt.]()
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.Advertisement -
![Step 3 Once you have mastered it with the soft foods, try chewing larger portions at a time, as you would normally eat.]()
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. -
![Step 4 Move on to the more solid foods now, like fruits, rice, and bread.]()
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. -
![Step 5 Once you are past this stage, try the hardest foods, such as granola bars and cereals.]()
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
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QuestionI started to practice eating with my mouth closed, but I have breathing issues after eating. How do I overcome this?
Community AnswerWhen 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. -
QuestionHow do I chew with my mouth closed if I can't close my mouth due to injuries?
Community AnswerIf 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. -
QuestionMy 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 AnswerIf 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.
Tips
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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
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If you find your self eating alone, print this out and read it prior to eating your meals.Thanks
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Reward yourself for every day you chew with your mouth closed. It will help and encourage you to continue improving.Thanks
References
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Reader Success Stories
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"I just forget to close my mouth while chewing. Plus don't forget about talking with mouth full of food."
