Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek while eating is a common, painful experience. Understanding why these bites happen can help prevent them and manage discomfort.
Common Reasons for Cheek Biting
Accidental cheek biting often stems from various factors. A frequent cause is a lack of attention during meals, such as eating too quickly, talking while chewing, or being distracted. This can lead to uncoordinated jaw movements, making the cheek vulnerable to being caught between teeth.
Dental issues contribute to cheek bites. Misaligned teeth (malocclusion) can create an uneven bite, trapping the cheek. Erupting wisdom teeth or molars deviating towards the cheek also increase injury risk. Poorly fitted dental work, such as crowns, fillings, or braces, can alter the bite and cause accidental biting.
Psychological factors and medication side effects can also influence chewing patterns. Stress and anxiety can lead to less mindful eating or subconscious oral habits, resulting in cheek biting. Fatigue can also reduce chewing precision, making bites more likely. Certain medications, particularly stimulants for ADHD, and antipsychotics, can cause involuntary jaw or tongue movements, increasing biting risk.
Preventing Future Bites
Adopting mindful eating practices can reduce accidental cheek bites. Slowing down and focusing on chewing improves coordination, preventing the cheek from being caught. Avoiding distractions like phones or television during meals also increases oral awareness.
Addressing underlying dental irregularities also provides long-term prevention. Regular dental check-ups identify and correct issues like misaligned teeth, poorly fitted crowns, or erupting wisdom teeth. Recommended orthodontic treatments can realign the bite, creating proper space for the tongue and cheek.
Managing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, can mitigate subconscious oral habits contributing to biting. Chewing sugar-free gum can serve as a safer outlet for oral fixation, potentially reducing the urge to bite. If medication side effects are suspected, discuss concerns with a healthcare provider for dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.
Caring for an Accidental Bite
Immediately after biting your cheek, rinse your mouth with warm water. A warm saltwater rinse is also beneficial; it cleans the area and promotes healing. Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish for about 30 seconds before spitting.
If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can manage lingering pain. During healing, avoid acidic, spicy, or very hot foods, which can irritate the area and delay recovery.
When to Be Concerned
While most accidental cheek bites heal without complication, certain signs warrant professional medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if pain is persistent or severe, or if you notice signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, pus, or fever.
A bite wound not healing within one to two weeks, or appearing unusually deep or large, should also be evaluated. If cheek biting becomes very frequent, significantly impacts daily life, or relates to a body-focused repetitive behavior, seek advice from a dentist or physician. These instances may indicate an underlying dental issue or a behavioral pattern requiring specific intervention.