Which structures in the mouth are responsible for physically breaking down food?

The teeth are the structures responsible for physically breaking down food in the mouth. They serve this critical function through a process called mastication, which involves grinding and tearing food into smaller pieces. This mechanical breakdown is essential for digestion because it increases the surface area of the food, making it easier for enzymes in saliva to further break it down chemically.

While molars, a specific type of tooth, are also involved in this process by grinding food due to their flat surfaces, the term "teeth" encompasses all types, including incisors and canines, which contribute to tearing and cutting food. The gums help support the teeth but do not play a direct role in breaking down food. The palate is the roof of the mouth, which assists in the movement of food but does not directly break it down. Thus, the teeth, as a group, are the primary structures responsible for physically breaking down food.