Biting the inside of your cheek is a common occurrence, often happening during meals or conversations. This injury affects the soft tissue lining the inside of your mouth. While it can be painful, these oral injuries are generally minor and typically heal quickly without lasting complications. Understanding how to care for a bitten cheek can help alleviate discomfort and support its natural healing process.
Immediate Care and Pain Relief
The first step after biting your cheek is to clean the injured area to prevent infection. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution is a simple and effective method. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish it gently for 30 seconds before spitting it out. This helps to keep the wound clean and reduce inflammation.
To manage immediate pain and reduce swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek. You can also hold ice chips inside your mouth directly against the bitten area to numb the discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Also avoid foods and beverages that can irritate the wound, such as spicy, acidic, or very hot or cold items.
Promoting Healing and Recovery
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for promoting recovery. Gently brush your teeth, being careful around the bitten area, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times a day, especially after meals. This practice helps remove food particles and bacteria, minimizing infection risk and supporting healing.
Dietary adjustments can also aid in the healing process. Opt for soft, bland foods that require minimal chewing, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Avoid crunchy, sharp, or highly acidic foods that could further irritate the wound and delay healing. Staying well-hydrated also supports overall oral health and keeps the mouth moist, which aids in tissue repair. If a sharp tooth or dental appliance causes continued irritation, applying dental wax over the surface can provide a protective barrier and allow the tissue to heal.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most cheek bites heal on their own within 7 to 10 days, professional help is sometimes necessary. Seek help if you observe signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling beyond the initial injury, pus, or a fever. These symptoms suggest bacteria may have entered the wound, requiring treatment.
A healthcare professional should also be consulted if the wound is unusually deep, appears to be a persistent laceration, or does not show signs of healing within the expected timeframe. Difficulty eating or speaking due to the bite or ongoing pain also warrants medical evaluation. If you experience recurrent or unexplained cheek biting, a dentist or doctor can help identify underlying causes, such as misaligned teeth or jaw issues.
Preventing Cheek Bites
To reduce the likelihood of biting your cheek, consider modifying certain habits. Eating slowly and deliberately, focusing on your chewing, can help prevent bites. Avoiding talking while food is in your mouth also reduces the risk of biting your cheek or tongue.
Addressing any underlying dental issues can be beneficial. If you have sharp teeth edges, misaligned teeth, or ill-fitting dental appliances, these can contribute to repeated cheek biting. A dentist can evaluate your bite and suggest solutions, such as smoothing sharp edges or orthodontic treatment. For individuals who bite their cheek during sleep, often associated with teeth grinding (bruxism), a custom-fitted night guard can provide a protective barrier between the teeth and the cheek, preventing further injury.