The involuntary action of biting or chewing the inner lining of the cheek is a common experience, often dismissed as a minor accident. For many people, this behavior becomes a chronic, repetitive habit that causes discomfort and oral damage. The technical name for this chronic habit of chewing the cheek mucosa is Morsicatio Buccarum.
Understanding Morsicatio Buccarum
The medical term for chronic cheek biting, Morsicatio Buccarum (MB), is derived from the Latin words for “bite” (morsus) and “cheek” (bucca). This condition is classified as a chronic mucosal trauma or a factitial injury. It is recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), alongside habits like skin picking and nail biting.
The physical manifestation of MB is a characteristic white, shredded, or thickened area on the inner cheek lining, known clinically as frictional keratosis. These lesions are frequently found bilaterally, along the plane where the upper and lower teeth meet. The constant trauma causes the tissue to become ragged and rough.
While MB specifically refers to the cheek, similar repetitive habits can affect other areas of the mouth. Morsicatio Labiorum is the term for chronic lip biting, and Morsicatio Linguarum describes chronic tongue biting. These chronic conditions are distinct from an occasional, accidental bite.
Primary Causes of Cheek Biting
The underlying causes of chronic cheek biting are typically divided into behavioral and anatomical factors. For many people, the habit begins unconsciously as a response to emotional states, such as stress, anxiety, or even boredom. The repetitive chewing serves as a self-soothing mechanism, much like other body-focused repetitive behaviors.
This habit is often perpetuated by a destructive cycle. The initial chewing damages the smooth mucosal tissue, creating a rough, uneven texture. The person then feels a compulsion to smooth out this newly damaged area by chewing it further, which only increases the trauma.
Physical factors within the mouth can also initiate or exacerbate the behavior. Misaligned teeth, known as malocclusion, can position the cheek tissue so that it is easily caught and damaged during normal jaw movements, leading to repeated accidental trauma. Sharp edges on natural teeth, rough fillings, or ill-fitting dental appliances like dentures can also repeatedly irritate the cheek lining.
The behavior can also occur completely involuntarily during sleep, similar to nighttime teeth grinding, or bruxism.
Strategies for Breaking the Habit
Breaking the cycle of chronic cheek biting requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the behavioral and physical components. A primary strategy involves behavioral modification techniques, designed to interrupt the unconscious pattern. Habit reversal training (HRT) involves increasing awareness of the habit and substituting it with a competing response, such as resting the tongue lightly against the cheek or clenching the teeth gently for a short period.
Mindful awareness training is also important, helping the person identify the specific times and situations that trigger the urge to chew. When a psychological trigger like stress or anxiety is identified, substituting the chewing with a less harmful activity can be effective. Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on a sugar-free candy can occupy the mouth and provide a safe alternative to the destructive habit.
If the cause is related to dental anatomy, professional intervention is often necessary. A dentist or orthodontist can correct malocclusion or smooth down any sharp tooth edges or rough restorations that are snagging the cheek tissue. For those who bite their cheeks unconsciously at night, a soft occlusal guard or dental splint can be custom-made to create a protective barrier between the teeth and the cheek lining.
People who find they cannot control the behavior through conscious effort, or whose lesions are severe or persistent, should seek medical consultation. A healthcare professional can help rule out other oral conditions and may suggest further support, such as talk therapy or psychological interventions, to manage anxiety and stress that fuel the habit.