Why does food stick to the sides of my mouth and teeth while chewing and swallowing?

Dryness and amylase: Depending on the moisture content or lack of, food can become tacky. Rinsing after meals will assist with any discomfort you have of sticky foods. Carbohydrates break down to a gluten like product- which is sticky- it is one of the reasons we encourage people to brush after meals.

Reduced saliva: You may have reduced saliva. It is normal to an extent as we age but it can also signal other issues. One very common factor is medications.