Biting the inside of your cheek can range from an infrequent, accidental occurrence to a chronic, repetitive behavior. While an occasional bite might be a minor inconvenience, persistent cheek biting can lead to discomfort and potential oral health issues. Understanding its nature and available strategies can help address this common issue.
Understanding Cheek Biting
Cheek biting can manifest in different forms, from accidental to habitual. Accidental cheek biting often occurs unintentionally during activities like eating or talking, or due to sudden jaw movements. This type of bite is usually infrequent and might result in minor injuries that generally heal on their own.
In contrast, chronic cheek biting involves repetitive chewing or nibbling of the inner cheek. This condition is classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) and can be a subconscious action. It is often linked to underlying factors such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Other potential causes include misaligned teeth, issues with dental devices, or even biting during sleep, similar to teeth grinding.
Strategies for Stopping Cheek Biting
Addressing cheek biting involves immediate care for any sores and long-term behavioral changes. For immediate relief from accidental bites, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water can help reduce irritation and promote healing. Avoiding irritants like spicy, salty, or acidic foods can also prevent further discomfort to the affected area.
To break the habit of chronic cheek biting, increasing awareness of the behavior is a first step. Identifying triggers, such as specific situations or emotions that precede the biting, can help in managing the condition. Keeping a journal to track when and why the biting occurs can provide insights into these triggers.
Replacing the biting behavior with a healthier alternative is another effective strategy. This can include chewing sugar-free gum or crunchy snacks, or engaging in alternative activities like squeezing a stress ball or tapping fingers. Since stress and anxiety are common triggers, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or meditation can help reduce the urge. A dentist might also recommend a mouthguard, especially for those who bite their cheeks during sleep, to prevent direct contact between teeth and cheeks.
When Professional Help is Needed
While many instances of cheek biting can be managed with self-help strategies, professional intervention is sometimes needed. If cheek biting leads to persistent pain, recurring sores, or signs of infection such as pus or significant swelling, seek medical attention. Significant tissue damage or if the habit severely impacts daily life also indicates a need for professional help.
A dentist can assess if dental issues, such as misaligned teeth, sharp edges, or poorly fitting dental work, are contributing to the biting. They may suggest orthodontic solutions like braces or aligners, or custom mouthguards to address structural causes. If the cheek biting is linked to underlying psychological conditions like severe anxiety, stress, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a doctor or therapist can provide support. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or habit reversal training can help identify and change the thought patterns and behaviors associated with chronic cheek biting.