Mastication is chewing.  And wouldn’t you know we even have rules about that.

If something is too hot, don’t spit it out.  Take a sip of water to cool it off.

Chew with your mouth closed.  No one wants to see your chewed-up squash casserole.

Talk once you have swallowed.  The not wanting to see the chewed-up squash casserole is especially true here because people are supposed to look at you when you are talking.

Take small bites.  Watching someone stuff his face is a little gross.  It may be funny for the five year olds, but the adults are not impressed.

Keep your tongue inside your mouth when you take a bite.  No one wants to see your tongue.

Chew quietly. Enough said.

Don’t chew ice.  Your dentist would agree with me on this one.  Not only is it annoyingly loud, it is not good for your teeth.

There are some foods that squirt.  Lemon is one example.  If you are squeezing lemon into a drink or onto food, cup your hand around it as you squeeze so it doesn’t wind up in someone’s eye.  This one doesn’t really have anything to do with chewing, but it is a good point.

Don’t spit anything out.  If you need to remove a pit, bone, or piece of gristle from your mouth, take it out with your fingertips or the tip of your fork and put it on the side of your plate.

Try to finish about the same time that everyone else does.  Don’t rush or dawdle.