Imagine: You’re enjoying a little snack break and all of a sudden, instead of biting into your delicious breakfast bar, you find yourself biting down on the inside of your cheek. Ouch! It’s irritating when it happens once, but if it keeps occurring (especially in the same spot), you may start to wonder, “why do I keep accidentally biting the inside of my cheek?” It turns out, repetitive cheek biting may not always be accidental; it could indicate an underlying oral health issue that you may not have been aware of. Whether it’s related to a tooth, jaw, or even psychological issue (stress, anyone?), constantly biting the inside of your mouth can be prevented. We spoke with two dentists to learn more about why cheek biting happens and whether it’s a harmless or harmful habit.
1. You have morsicatio buccarum (chronic cheek biting):
If you find yourself habitually chewing or biting the insides of your cheeks, you may be experiencing morsicatio buccarum. This chronic condition can develop for various reasons, such as repetitive behavior due to boredom, stress, or anxiety, misaligned teeth, irregularities in oral tissues, sharp edges of chipped teeth, or irritation from poorly-fitting appliances like retainers or dentures. Treatment for this condition depends on the underlying cause, but awareness of the habit is the first step towards prevention.
2. It’s an accident:
Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek is a common occurrence, especially when you’re in a rush or not paying attention. While usually not a major issue, biting your cheek hard enough can lead to mouth ulcers that may take a few days to heal. Paying attention to slow and careful chewing can help prevent accidental cheek biting in the future.
3. Your teeth aren’t aligned properly:
Misaligned teeth can contribute to chronic cheek biting as the oral tissues can get caught between the top and bottom teeth during routine tasks like speaking or chewing. If your bite is misaligned, it’s important to consult with an orthodontist who can recommend treatment options such as braces or dental appliances to correct the alignment.
4. It’s a jaw issue:
Jaw problems can lead to tooth misalignment and increase the risk of cheek biting. Consult an orthodontist for solutions such as braces, mouthguards, or other dental appliances to manage jaw issues.
5. It’s psychological:
Stress or anxiety can exacerbate cheek biting, serving as a coping mechanism for some individuals. If stress is triggering your cheek biting, it’s essential to seek help from a healthcare provider or therapist to address the underlying mental health issues.
6. You have irregularities in the soft tissues of the mouth:
Swollen or inflamed soft tissues in the mouth can increase the likelihood of cheek biting. Consult a dentist for evaluation and treatment to prevent chronic cheek biting and address any underlying conditions.
While occasional cheek biting may not be harmful in the long term, habitual cheek biting can lead to various oral health issues. To prevent or stop cheek biting, be mindful of the habit, chew food carefully and slowly, maintain good oral hygiene, wear a mouthguard if needed, and practice effective stress-management techniques. By addressing the root cause of cheek biting, you can promote better oral and overall health.
