Accidentally biting the inside of your mouth is a common and often frustrating experience. This painful event can disrupt eating or speaking, leaving a tender spot or small sore. While occasional instances are harmless, frequent bites can signal underlying issues. This article explores reasons these bites occur and offers prevention strategies.
Understanding Why It Happens
Accidental mouth biting stems from various factors, including physical alignment, behavioral patterns, and stress. Dental malocclusion, or misaligned teeth, is a frequent cause. When teeth do not fit correctly, soft tissues of the inner cheek can get caught during chewing or talking. Wisdom teeth erupting at an unusual angle can also push other teeth out of alignment or impinge on the cheek, leading to repeated biting.
Eating habits also contribute. Eating too quickly, talking while chewing, or distraction during meals can lead to a lack of awareness, increasing the likelihood of biting. Diverted focus during eating can hinder the coordination needed to keep soft tissues clear.
Stress and fatigue also contribute. Stress or anxiety can lead to subconscious behaviors like jaw clenching or teeth grinding, resulting in cheek biting. Fatigue reduces muscle control and awareness, making bites more probable, even during sleep.
Dental work can also trigger mouth biting. Misaligned fillings, crowns, or other dental appliances can create new contact points that irritate or trap the cheek. The mouth may need time to adapt, and adjustments may be necessary. An existing injury, like a previous bite, can cause swelling. Swelling makes the tissue more prominent and susceptible to repeated biting, creating a cycle of trauma.
Strategies for Prevention
Mindful eating practices can reduce accidental mouth biting. Eating slowly and focusing on chewing helps keep soft tissues clear of teeth. Avoiding distractions like television or phone use during meals also promotes awareness of oral movements.
Addressing underlying dental issues is a primary preventative measure. If misaligned teeth or a problematic bite contribute, a dentist or orthodontist can recommend solutions like braces or aligners. A dentist can also evaluate if existing dental work, like crowns or fillings, needs adjustments.
Managing stress and fatigue can mitigate subconscious oral habits that lead to biting. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can reduce stress and promote jaw muscle relaxation. Adequate sleep also improves muscle control and reduces biting during unconscious moments.
For those who bite their cheeks during sleep, a custom-fitted night guard provides a protective barrier between teeth and cheek. These devices prevent direct contact and allow injured areas to heal. Chewing sugar-free gum can also serve as a safer alternative for oral stimulation, redirecting the urge to bite.
When to Consult a Professional
While occasional accidental mouth bites are harmless, certain circumstances warrant professional evaluation. Consult a dentist if bites become chronic or frequent, as this could indicate an underlying dental alignment or structural issue.
Seek professional attention if bites lead to persistent sores that do not heal within two to three weeks. Non-healing sores could signal a more serious condition, requiring prompt assessment. Signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, swelling, pus, or fever, also require immediate medical attention.
A dentist can assess teeth and jaw alignment, examine existing dental work, and recommend interventions like orthodontic treatment or adjustments. If dental causes are ruled out, or if biting is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like muscle control issues, consult a medical doctor to investigate potential systemic conditions or medication side effects.