A sharp tooth or dental appliance rubbing against the soft tissue of the cheek (buccal mucosa) creates a painful problem requiring immediate attention. Constant friction quickly leads to irritation, inflammation, and the formation of a mouth ulcer or canker sore, disrupting daily activities like speaking and eating. Addressing this irritation is important for comfort and to prevent more significant oral lesions. While the underlying cause requires professional dental care, several steps can be taken at home to create a temporary barrier and soothe the inflamed area.
Quick Home Methods for Immediate Relief
The most effective temporary solution is to apply dental wax directly over the offending sharp edge to create a smooth surface. This wax, which is widely available at pharmacies, acts as a pliable cushion that shields the cheek lining from the abrasive tooth surface. To apply, roll a small piece into a ball, flatten it, and gently press it onto the tooth or appliance until it adheres securely.
If dental wax is not immediately available, a piece of sugar-free chewing gum can serve a similar, though less ideal, function. The soft, chewed gum can be carefully molded over the rough spot to prevent direct contact with the cheek tissue. While this offers a quick fix, it must be used with caution, as it can be easily dislodged during eating or talking.
To soothe the existing injury, rinsing the mouth with warm salt water several times a day can help manage the inflammation and promote healing. A solution of about a half-teaspoon of table salt dissolved in eight ounces of warm water acts as a gentle, isotonic wash that can keep the ulcer clean and reduce swelling. These home methods are designed only to provide short-term comfort and do not resolve the structural issue causing the friction.
Common Dental Causes of Cheek Irritation
The source of cheek rubbing is typically a change in the tooth’s surface or its surrounding hardware that creates a jagged point. A common cause is a chipped tooth or a broken filling, crown, or veneer, where a piece of the hard material has fractured off, leaving a sharp, knife-like edge. Even a small fracture can cause significant trauma due to the constant movement of the cheek muscles.
Misaligned or poorly adjusted dental hardware is another frequent contributor to mucosal irritation. Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or clear aligner trays, sometimes have edges or wires that protrude or are rough against the cheek. Similarly, ill-fitting or damaged dentures or removable retainers can rub and create chronic sore spots in the mouth.
In the back of the mouth, the eruption of a wisdom tooth can present a sharp surface or cause adjacent molars to shift slightly outward. This slight deflection can lead to the cheek being caught and bitten repeatedly during chewing. Even if the tooth is not visibly broken, natural wear patterns, particularly from teeth grinding, can sometimes create an uneven, jagged surface on the enamel that irritates the soft tissues.
When and How a Dentist Provides Permanent Resolution
Professional intervention is necessary for a permanent resolution, especially if the rubbing persists, causes prolonged pain, or shows signs of infection like increased swelling and pus. The specific treatment a dentist chooses depends entirely on the underlying cause of the sharp edge. For minor chips or rough spots on the natural enamel, the procedure is often a quick and painless enameloplasty, or dental contouring.
During this process, the dentist uses fine instruments to gently smooth and polish the sharp edge of the tooth until it is completely rounded and comfortable. If the irritation is caused by a broken filling or crown, the restoration will need to be repaired or replaced entirely, often with dental bonding or a new crown, to restore the tooth’s smooth contour.
For issues related to orthodontic devices or ill-fitting prosthetics, the dentist or orthodontist will adjust the hardware by bending a wire, trimming a sharp plastic edge, or relining a denture. If a wisdom tooth is the culprit, the dentist may recommend monitoring the tooth, performing a minor smoothing procedure, or planning for its extraction if it cannot be managed conservatively. Delaying treatment for chronic irritation can lead to the formation of a traumatic ulcer.