From Webster´s: From the Greek word mastichan, to gnash the teeth. The common meaning (also from Webster's) is to grind or crush (food) with or as if with the teeth in preparation for swallowing. Mastication, depending on oral motor tone and mouth structure can be easy or difficult. Most of us are able to eat a wide variety of textures -- chewy, crunchy, soft. Most of us can take a bite out of a sandwich. This is not always the case with a person who has disabilities. If one has deficient oral motor tone he/she may not have the capability to chew a bite of steak. Non-typical mouth structure may not allow one to take a bite out of a sandwich. Chewy foods will need to be ground and large pieces of food will need to be cut into bite-sized pieces.