Kauwwerking

Kauwwerking is a Dutch term describing the act or function of chewing. The word combines kauwen, to chew, with werking, meaning functioning or operation. In Dutch-language literature, kauwwerking is used primarily in dental sciences, biomechanics, and nutrition to refer to the processes and forces involved when the jaw masticates food.

In dentistry and dental physiology, kauwwerking encompasses the muscular activity and jaw movements that occur during mastication. This includes bite forces, rhythmic opening and closing of the jaw, lateral movements, and the involvement of masticatory muscles such as the masseter and temporalis. In biomechanics, it is related to how occlusal loads are transmitted through teeth and the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). In nutrition and food science, kauwwerking is relevant for understanding how chewing affects digestion, nutrient release, and satiety, as well as how food texture influences chewing behavior.

Measurement and study of kauwwerking typically involve EMG (electromyography) of facial muscles, bite force sensors, and motion analysis of the jaw. Factors that influence kauwwerking include dentition (natural teeth, dentures, or implants), age, occlusal arrangement, dental wear, food properties (hardness, texture, particle size), and fatigue or task demands during chewing.

Health and practical implications include the role of chewing in digestion and nutrition, the potential link between inadequate kauwwerking and malnutrition or poor nutrient extraction, and the risk of temporomandibular disorders with excessive or imbalanced chewing. The term is mainly used in Dutch contexts and tends to be discussed alongside concepts of mastication and chewing mechanics.