Biting the cheek is a common and often frustrating complication that can follow wisdom tooth extraction, particularly when the lower third molars are removed. This temporary issue causes discomfort and can hinder the recovery process, leading to painful sores exactly where the teeth meet. The problem arises from subtle but significant alterations within the mouth following the surgical removal of the teeth. Understanding the cause and implementing specific actions can help manage and eventually eliminate this accidental trauma.
Why Post-Operative Cheek Biting Occurs
The primary reason for accidental cheek biting is the significant swelling that occurs as the body reacts to the surgical trauma. This inflammation causes the soft cheek tissue to push inward, placing it directly in the path of the upper and lower teeth during chewing. The cheek essentially becomes an unintended cushion between the jaws, making it vulnerable to constant nips and cuts.
The removal of the wisdom tooth also disrupts the established muscle memory that guides the jaw and cheek during speech and eating. Previously, the tooth acted as a physical barrier and a reference point for the surrounding muscles, and its sudden absence causes the cheek to collapse slightly into the newly empty space. The brain’s ingrained chewing pattern takes time to adjust to this new anatomy, leading to repeated trauma until a new muscle memory pattern is established.
Furthermore, temporary or residual numbness from the local anesthesia or even minor nerve irritation can prevent the patient from feeling the cheek tissue before it is bitten. The sensory feedback mechanism that normally warns a person of impending self-injury is dulled or absent, allowing the bite to occur unnoticed until the sensation returns.
Immediate Actionable Steps to Prevent Biting
The most effective immediate strategy is to adopt a conscious and deliberate approach to chewing. Focus your entire attention on the act of eating, ensuring that every movement of the jaw is slow and controlled. If the extraction was only on one side, prioritize chewing on the opposite side to minimize the contact between the cheek and the teeth near the surgical site.
Consider using a temporary physical barrier to train the muscles. Gently chewing on a piece of sugar-free gum, only after the initial 24 to 48 hours and with the surgeon’s approval, can act as a spacer and help retrain the cheek muscles to stay out of the bite path. The consistent, mild pressure helps re-establish a boundary for the cheek tissue.
Gentle facial and jaw exercises can also assist in retraining the muscles and improving flexibility. Slowly and carefully moving the jaw from side to side or slightly forward can help the muscles adapt to the new oral structure. Additionally, you can use your tongue to apply light pressure internally against the cheek near the surgical area, nudging the tissue away from the teeth just before and during a slow chewing motion.
Continuing to adhere to a soft-food diet beyond the initial recovery window is recommended until the cheek biting resolves. Harder foods require more forceful and complex chewing movements, which increases the risk of accidentally catching the cheek. Sticking to easily mashed or swallowed foods reduces the necessary muscular effort and allows the inflamed tissue to begin healing.
Healing and Managing Existing Cheek Sores
Once a traumatic sore has formed on the inside of the cheek, the immediate focus shifts to promoting healing and preventing irritation. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is paramount, which includes gentle rinsing with a warm saline solution several times a day after the first 24 hours post-surgery. This simple rinse helps to clean the wound, reduce the bacterial load, and soothe the inflamed tissue without disturbing the extraction site’s blood clot.
For localized pain relief, over-the-counter topical oral gels or pastes may be applied, if approved by your oral surgeon. Products containing ingredients like benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide can provide temporary numbing and help protect the wound from further friction during speaking or swallowing. These are applied directly to the ulcer to create a protective layer.
Avoid foods that are spicy, highly acidic, crunchy, or hot, as these can irritate the open ulcer and delay the healing process. Acidic foods like citrus fruits and tomatoes, or sharp foods like chips, will sting the wound and prolong the uncomfortable stage of recovery. Sticking to bland, smooth foods minimizes irritation and allows the tissue time to regenerate.
Recovery Timeline and Warning Signs
The accidental cheek biting is typically temporary and directly linked to post-operative swelling and muscle adjustment. For most patients, the swelling significantly subsides within the first week, and the biting tendency should resolve as the inflammation decreases and muscle memory recalibrates. A full resolution of the issue usually occurs within the first two weeks following the procedure.
If the cheek biting persists or worsens after the two-week mark, it may suggest a minor change in the way the teeth meet, or a sharp edge on a tooth is repeatedly causing trauma. A follow-up appointment with the oral surgeon or dentist is necessary to evaluate the bite alignment or smooth any potential sharp points.
Contact your oral surgeon immediately if you notice specific warning signs:
- Evidence of infection, such as pus, a fever, or redness that is rapidly spreading away from the extraction site.
- If the cheek lesion is deep, appears ragged, or shows no sign of healing after a period of two weeks, professional evaluation is required to ensure proper tissue repair.