Accidentally biting the inside of your mouth is a common and often painful experience. While an occasional bite might be a fleeting annoyance, frequent occurrences can be frustrating and may signal an underlying issue. Understanding why this happens can help in managing and potentially preventing it.
Common Reasons for Cheek Biting
Biting the inside of your mouth can stem from various factors, from simple accidents to more complex behavioral or structural issues. Often, these instances occur during daily activities like eating, talking, or even laughing, when sudden jaw movements can inadvertently trap the soft tissues of the cheek between teeth. Eating too quickly or while distracted can also increase the likelihood of an accidental bite.
Beyond situational accidents, some individuals develop a habitual pattern of chewing the inner lining of their mouth, known as morsicatio buccarum. This often subconscious behavior can be linked to stress, anxiety, or boredom, acting as a coping mechanism.
Dental and structural issues within the mouth can also contribute to frequent cheek biting. Misaligned teeth (malocclusion) can create an improper bite where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, making the cheek more prone to biting. Poorly fitting dental appliances, such as braces, dentures, or crowns, or even sharp edges on teeth or fillings, can also irritate the cheek and lead to repeated biting. In some cases, wisdom teeth erupting outwards can cause chronic cheek irritation and biting.
Biting can also occur during sleep, particularly for individuals who experience nocturnal bruxism (unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth). The intense pressure and movement during bruxism can lead to cheek biting during sleep. Less common causes might include certain medications that induce involuntary movements or specific neurological conditions.
Recognizing Potential Complications
Persistent cheek biting can lead to a range of oral issues, from minor irritations to more significant problems. A common consequence is the development of canker sores, which are painful open sores that form on the bitten area. Repeated trauma can also cause inflammation, swelling, and minor bleeding in the affected tissue.
More concerning signs include sores that do not heal within one to two weeks, or those that are unusually large or painful. Signs of infection, such as pus, increased redness, spreading swelling, or fever, warrant immediate attention. Difficulty eating or speaking due to the injury also suggests a more serious problem.
Chronic cheek biting can result in changes to the oral mucosa, the inner lining of the mouth. This may appear as white patches or scar tissue, a condition known as linea alba, a thickened, raised white line that typically forms along the bite line where the teeth meet the cheek. While linea alba itself is generally harmless, any persistent, unusual, or non-healing oral lesions should be evaluated by a dentist or doctor to rule out other underlying conditions.
Strategies to Reduce Biting
Addressing cheek biting often involves a multi-faceted approach, starting with increased awareness and habit modification. Becoming mindful of when and why the biting occurs can be a crucial first step. For those who bite due to stress or anxiety, engaging in stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help alleviate the underlying tension. Substituting the biting habit with a less harmful activity, like chewing sugar-free gum or a healthy snack, can also redirect the impulse.
Dental interventions play a significant role when structural issues contribute to the problem. A dentist can assess for misaligned teeth and may recommend orthodontic solutions such as braces or clear aligners to correct the bite. Smoothing sharp edges on teeth or dental restorations, like fillings or crowns, can eliminate points of irritation. Adjusting ill-fitting dental appliances is also important to prevent further trauma.
Protective measures can offer immediate relief and allow injured tissues to heal. Custom-fitted mouthguards, particularly soft night guards, are often recommended for individuals who bite their cheeks during sleep or due to teeth grinding. These devices create a physical barrier between the teeth and the cheek, preventing direct contact and further injury. Over-the-counter mouthguards can offer temporary relief, but custom-made options provide a better fit and more effective protection.
Simple lifestyle adjustments can also help reduce the frequency of accidental bites. Eating more slowly and avoiding distractions during meals can prevent inadvertent cheek trapping. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also important, as it helps prevent secondary infections in any bitten areas and supports overall oral health. Consulting with a dental professional is always recommended to identify the specific cause and determine the most appropriate course of action.