Biting the inside of your cheek is a common oral injury. This can occur while eating, talking, or due to stress or misaligned teeth. Most bitten cheek incidents are minor and can be managed with home care. Understanding how to respond helps alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Initial Steps
Immediately after biting your cheek, gently rinse your mouth. A warm salt water rinse cleanses the wound and promotes healing. Prepare this by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in warm water and swishing it around your mouth. An antiseptic mouthwash can also cleanse and prevent infection.
Applying a cold compress to the outside of the affected cheek can reduce swelling and numb pain. Use ice wrapped in a cloth or a bag of frozen peas, applied for about 10-20 minutes at a time. For discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed. Avoid touching the wound with fingers or tongue to prevent irritation or contamination.
Supporting Recovery
Ongoing care supports healing and prevents complications. Gently maintain good oral hygiene around the injured area. Regular, gentle brushing of your teeth is important to keep the mouth clean.
Modifying your diet can aid recovery. Stick to soft, bland foods. Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods as they irritate the wound. Avoiding habits that might re-injure the area, such as chewing gum or biting nails, can prevent setbacks. Continue gentle warm salt water rinses several times daily to keep the area clean and aid healing.
Knowing When to Get Help
While most cheek bites heal on their own, professional medical or dental attention becomes necessary in some situations. Signs of infection require attention, including increased pain, persistent swelling, redness, pus, or a fever. A wound that does not show signs of healing after 5 to 7 days, or that appears very deep or large, requires professional evaluation.
Significant bleeding that does not stop after 10 to 15 minutes of direct pressure requires emergency care. Difficulty eating or speaking due to the injury may indicate a severe issue. If you experience recurrent biting in the same spot, or if the initial bite was due to trauma or a fall, consult a dentist, as this may indicate underlying dental issues like misaligned teeth or the need for a mouthguard.