Accidentally biting the inside of one’s cheek while eating is a common and often startling experience. While it happens to nearly everyone at some point, understanding the underlying reasons can help shed light on why these unexpected occurrences take place during an otherwise routine activity.
Common Causes of Accidental Cheek Biting
Dental alignment issues are a frequent contributor to accidental cheek biting. Misaligned teeth, such as those with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, can reduce the natural protective space between the chewing surfaces and the inner cheek lining. Similarly, new dental work like fillings, crowns, or orthodontic adjustments can subtly alter the bite pattern, causing the cheek to be more vulnerable to being caught between the upper and lower teeth during mastication. The mouth needs time to adapt to these changes in oral topography.
Eating habits also play a significant role in the likelihood of biting one’s cheek. Eating too quickly can lead to hurried and less precise jaw movements, increasing the risk of the cheek slipping into the path of the teeth. Talking while chewing food or engaging in distractions like using a phone or watching television during meals can divert attention from the complex coordinated movements of the jaw, tongue, and cheeks, making accidental bites more probable. When focus is elsewhere, the protective retraction of the cheek may not occur efficiently.
Fatigue or stress can diminish the body’s coordination and awareness, including the fine motor control required for chewing. When tired, the muscles involved in mastication might not react as quickly or precisely, potentially allowing the cheek to be trapped. Elevated stress levels can also lead to muscle tension in the jaw, altering its natural movement patterns and making the chewing process less fluid and more prone to errors.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can disrupt the smooth mechanics of the jaw. Issues with the TMJ, such as disc displacement or muscle imbalances, can cause the jaw to move erratically or with a “clicking” or “popping” sensation. This irregular movement can create unpredictable chewing paths, increasing the chance of the inner cheek lining being caught between the occluding teeth.
Cheek swelling can also predispose someone to accidental bites. If the inner lining of the cheek is inflamed or swollen due to a previous bite injury, an infection, or an allergic reaction, its increased volume makes it protrude more into the chewing space. A swollen cheek occupies more room and is more easily trapped between the teeth during the chewing process, initiating a cycle of re-injury.
Tips for Preventing Accidental Bites
Adopting mindful eating practices can reduce the frequency of accidental cheek bites. This involves consciously slowing down the pace of eating, taking smaller bites of food, and chewing each mouthful thoroughly. Focusing on the texture and taste of the food encourages more deliberate and controlled jaw movements, allowing the oral tissues to position themselves safely away from the teeth.
Avoiding distractions during meals allows for full concentration on the act of chewing. Putting away electronic devices, refraining from engaging in conversations, or watching television while food is in the mouth allows for full concentration on the act of chewing. This undivided attention enhances the brain’s ability to coordinate the precise movements of the jaw, tongue, and cheeks, minimizing the chance of an errant bite.
Proper chewing techniques can prevent bites. Instead of favoring one side, try to distribute chewing evenly across both sides of the mouth. This promotes balanced muscle activity in the jaw and can help maintain a more stable and predictable chewing rhythm, reducing the likelihood of the cheek being inadvertently caught.
Implementing stress reduction techniques can indirectly contribute to fewer bites. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, short meditation sessions, or engaging in relaxing hobbies can alleviate body tension, including that in the jaw muscles. A more relaxed state can improve general motor control and awareness, fostering greater precision during chewing.
Maintaining adequate hydration can play a role in preventing bites. A well-hydrated mouth produces sufficient saliva, which acts as a natural lubricant for oral tissues. This lubrication facilitates smoother movement of the cheeks and tongue, potentially reducing friction and making it less likely for the cheek to get snagged or trapped between the teeth.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If accidental cheek biting becomes a persistent or frequent occurrence, it warrants a professional evaluation. Experiencing these bites multiple times a day or on most days suggests an underlying issue that may require intervention beyond simple habit changes.
When the bites lead to recurring painful sores, ulcers, or show signs of infection, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. These symptoms might include persistent redness, swelling, the presence of pus, or an inability for the bitten area to heal within a reasonable timeframe.
Accidental cheek biting accompanied by other symptoms like persistent jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds from the jaw joint, or difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully suggests a potential issue with the temporomandibular joint. Changes in how the teeth fit together should also prompt a dental visit.
If the frequency or severity of the cheek biting makes eating difficult, painful, or causes substantial discomfort, professional guidance is recommended. Such difficulties can impact nutritional intake and overall quality of life.
Consulting a dentist is important if frequent cheek biting begins immediately after new dental procedures, such as receiving new fillings, crowns, or undergoing orthodontic adjustments. A dentist can assess if the new dental work is contributing to the problem and make necessary adjustments.