Nothing is worse than accidentally biting your cheek while eating. It happens to everyone, but some people bite their cheeks more often than others. Chronic cheek biting isn’t anything to ignore. Believe it or not, it can be caused by many things, including obsessive-compulsive disorder or misaligned teeth. Here’s what you need to know to prevent cheek injuries that can harm your oral health.
Types of Cheek Biting
Many things can cause cheek biting, like chewing too fast. Depending on what’s causing the issue, your dentist can create a personalized treatment plan to lessen the occurrence. Here are the most common causes of cheek biting:
- Periodic Accidental Cheek Biting: An accidental cheek bite may cause a canker sore, but it generally isn’t any concern.
- Regular Accidental Cheek Biting: If you tend to bite your cheeks often, it can be caused by an underlying problem, like a bad bite. If your upper and lower teeth don’t come together correctly, it can cause you to bite your cheek often when chewing. In some cases, it can be an issue with the jaw, which will need to be addressed.
- Cheek Biting while Sleeping: Some people unintentionally bite their cheeks while sleeping.
- Habitual Cheek Biting: Habitual cheek biting can be a semiconscious activity.
- BFRD: Cheek biting can be a body-focused repetitive behavior caused by OCD, anxiety, stress, and other factors.
Biting your cheek often damages the tissue, which can increase your risk of mouth sores, ulcers, and infections. Your skin can feel raw, inflamed, or jagged, leading to recurrent injury to the area.
Treating Chronic Cheek Biting
Discuss your concerns about biting your cheeks with your dentist. They’ll examine your mouth and develop a strategy to stop the habit, which may include:
- Behavior Therapy: Behavioral therapy involves finding a less damaging behavior to help you avoid gnawing on your cheek. This is a great option for patients with a semi-conscious habit of biting the inside of their mouth or those with underlying concerns, like OCD or anxiety.
- Soft Guard: A soft guard is an oral device that can provide a layer of protection to safeguard your cheeks.
- Orthodontics: If a poor bite or alignment issues are the cause, braces or clear aligners can create a straight smile.
You don’t have to live with chronic cheek biting. Your dentist can help you find the solutions you need to prevent injuring your cheeks.
About Dr. Bryan Tamburro
Dr. Tamburro achieved his dental degree at the Midwestern University Downers Grove in Illinois. He regularly continues his training to provide the latest solutions in dentistry. He is a proud member of many professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Contact our office at (516) 346-5721 to schedule an appointment.