Chronic cheek biting, formally known as Morsicatio Buccarum, is a common habit where an individual repeatedly chews or nibbles the inner lining of the mouth, often unconsciously. This repetitive action is classified as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). While a single accidental bite is a minor inconvenience, chronic repetition of this behavior leads to significant localized pain and trauma to the oral tissues. This irritation can result in rough, white patches, sores, and scar tissue, making the affected area more susceptible to subsequent biting. Stopping the habit requires understanding its underlying triggers and implementing intentional strategies.
Identifying the Causes
Cheek biting stems from two main categories: psychological habits and underlying physical or dental issues. Habitual biting is often a nervous response linked to emotional states like stress, anxiety, or boredom. For many, the behavior acts as an automatic mechanism to manage heightened arousal or intense concentration, becoming an ingrained habit that occurs without conscious thought, particularly during sleep or while focused on a task.
The habit can also be driven by a physical irregularity in the mouth that creates a rough surface or an easy target for the teeth. Dental factors are a frequent cause, including malocclusion, where misaligned upper and lower teeth make the cheek more prone to being caught. Similarly, rough edges on existing dental work, such as crowns, fillings, or misaligned wisdom teeth, can encourage the teeth to bite. Identifying when and where the biting occurs is the necessary first step toward finding an effective solution.
Immediate Behavioral Strategies
The most effective self-administered technique for managing this habit is Habit Reversal Training (HRT). This technique begins with heightened awareness training, where the individual learns to recognize the specific situations, emotions, or physical sensations that precede the biting action. Keeping a detailed log of when the biting happens helps to pinpoint these specific triggers.
Once the urge is identified, the next step is Competing Response Training, which involves immediately substituting the biting action with a harmless, incompatible physical response. For instance, a person can gently press their lips together, lightly clench their jaw, or place their tongue against the inside of the cheek lining without applying pressure. These subtle actions physically prevent the biting while redirecting the impulse until the urge subsides.
Incorporating sensory substitution can also be helpful, such as chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a mint to engage the oral muscles in a non-destructive way. Since stress and anxiety are common triggers, adopting brief relaxation methods at the moment of the urge can mitigate the action. Simple deep breathing exercises can interrupt the stress response that drives the unconscious habit.
For situations like sleeping or high-focus activities where awareness is low, a temporary physical barrier can be used to break the cycle of trauma. Over-the-counter boil-and-bite mouthguards or dental splints can be used at night to prevent the teeth from making contact with the cheek lining. Applying soft dental wax to any sharp or rough tooth edges can also provide a temporary cushion to protect the irritated tissue and allow it to begin healing.
When to Seek Professional Help
If self-help strategies fail to curb the habit, or if the biting appears to be linked to a physical issue, a dental professional should be consulted. A dentist can perform a thorough examination to determine if the biting is caused by dental malalignment or sharp surfaces on teeth or restorations. Correction may involve minor occlusal adjustments, where the dentist smooths down a rough edge, or recommending orthodontic treatment to correct a bite problem that is constantly trapping the cheek.
Psychological and Behavioral Therapy
If the behavior is compulsive and strongly associated with severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or significant emotional distress, a psychological professional is the appropriate next step. Therapists specializing in body-focused repetitive behaviors often utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or specialized HRT to address the underlying emotional and thought patterns that fuel the action.
When to Consult a Doctor
It is also important to seek professional attention if chronic tissue damage is present, as persistent lesions can sometimes mask more serious conditions. Red flags include any open sore or ulcer that does not begin to heal within two weeks, or the appearance of thickened, white lesions (frictional keratosis or leukoplakia) that persist despite efforts to stop the biting. Signs of infection, such as excessive swelling, radiating pain, or pus, also require prompt medical or dental intervention.