Accidentally biting the inside of your mouth while eating is a common, painful experience. This mishap, whether involving the cheek or tongue, can be disruptive. Understanding the factors that contribute to this phenomenon can help in managing and preventing future occurrences.
Common Reasons for Biting
Several factors contribute to accidental mouth biting. Eating too quickly or not paying full attention, perhaps due to multitasking, is a frequent cause. Speaking while chewing also increases the likelihood of an accidental bite. These instances are usually infrequent and resolve on their own, though they can cause temporary irritation or canker sores.
Malocclusion, or dental alignment issues, is another reason for repeated cheek biting. Misaligned, crowded, or unusually angled teeth can trap the inner cheek during chewing. Wisdom teeth growing towards the cheek also increase biting risk. New dental work like fillings, crowns, or implants can temporarily alter the bite, leading to more bites until adaptation.
Psychological factors also play a role. Stress, anxiety, or boredom can lead to unconscious cheek biting, similar to nail-biting. Persistent biting may be a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), where individuals are unaware they are doing it. Fatigue can also contribute to reduced coordination and awareness, potentially leading to more accidental bites.
Preventing Future Bites
Adopting conscious eating habits is a primary strategy to reduce accidental mouth biting. Chewing food more slowly and deliberately, focusing on the act of eating, and avoiding talking while food is in your mouth can significantly minimize these incidents. Becoming more aware of when and why these bites occur can help in identifying personal triggers and adjusting behavior accordingly.
Maintaining good dental health is also important for prevention. Regular dental check-ups allow professionals to identify and address any misalignments of teeth or jaw that might be contributing to the problem. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners can correct malocclusion, reducing the likelihood of the cheek getting caught. If new dental restorations are causing issues, your dentist may be able to make adjustments to improve the fit.
For individuals who bite their cheeks due to stress or anxiety, incorporating stress management techniques can be beneficial. Practices such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or chewing sugar-free gum can provide a harmless outlet and redirect the biting impulse. Wearing a custom-made mouthguard, particularly at night, can also create a physical barrier to protect the inner cheek from accidental contact with teeth.
When to Consult a Professional
While occasional mouth biting is common, professional medical or dental advice is advisable in specific situations. If the biting is persistent or occurs with increasing frequency, it may indicate an underlying issue. Similarly, if the bitten areas do not heal within a reasonable timeframe, or show signs of infection such as swelling, redness, pus, or increased pain, a consultation is warranted.
Other concerning symptoms accompanying cheek biting also warrant professional evaluation. These include chronic jaw pain, clicking or locking of the jaw, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. In rare instances, chronic biting can signal a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder or, less commonly, neurological conditions affecting facial sensation or muscle control. If cheek biting is linked to shame, anxiety, or interferes with daily life, it may be a body-focused repetitive behavior benefiting from professional support, possibly therapy.