Have you ever been in a situation where you couldn’t resist the urge to bite your cheek, and then you ended up biting it so hard that it made you wince in pain? If you have, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people are habitual cheek biters, but why does this happen?
Why do I keep biting the inside of my cheek?
Cheek biting is a type of oral parafunctional habit that happens when people gnaw, bite, or chew their cheeks unknowingly. This habit happens due to a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral factors. When it comes to physical factors, this habit can be triggered by the misalignment of teeth or dental restorations such as braces, dentures, or fillings. On the other hand, emotional factors such as anxiety, stress, or boredom can lead to this habit subconsciously. Behavioral factors such as sleep habits, dietary choices, drinking alcohol, or smoking can also be triggers.
Why do I keep biting my cheek when eating?
Cheek biting during mealtime is more common in people who have misaligned teeth, dental restorations, or have not paid attention to how they chew their food. Eating quickly, talking while eating, or even eating foods that are hard to chew or bite can also be triggers. Moreover, eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia can lead to the development of the cheek biting habit.
What triggers cheek biting?
Cheek biting can be triggered by a variety of factors, as mentioned earlier. However, some factors can exacerbate the habit, making it challenging to control. These factors include:
- Anxiety: People who are prone to anxiety may develop the habit of cheek biting to calm themselves down.
- Stress: Like anxiety, stress can lead to the development of the habit of cheek biting.
- Boredom: Boredom can lead to mindless behavior such as cheek biting.
- Misaligned teeth: Teeth that are not well-aligned can create a bite imbalance, leading to cheek biting.
- Dental restorations: Dental restorations such as braces, dentures, or fillings can create bite imbalances, leading to cheek biting.
- Eating disorders: Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia can lead to the development of the habit of cheek biting.
- Drinking alcohol: Alcohol can affect judgment and make people more prone to carless behavior such as cheek biting.
- Smoking: Smoking can lead to dry mouth and oral irritation, leading to the development of the habit of cheek biting.
How do you heal a bitten cheek?
Healing a bitten cheek can be done easily by following some simple steps:
- Clean the affected area: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or antiseptic mouthwash to prevent infection.
- Use ice: Apply ice to the affected area to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
- Use over-the-counter medication: You can use over-the-counter medication such as anesthetic gels or painkillers to relief pain and discomfort.
- Avoid biting your cheek: Try to notice when you’re about to bite your cheek and stop yourself. If you have misaligned or damaged teeth, consult a dentist to see if any corrective measures need to be taken.
- Relax: Identify the triggers that make you bite your cheek, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom, and find ways to relax such as meditation, exercise, or hobbies.
The Importance of Oral Health and Seeking Professional Help
It is essential to prioritize oral health to avoid any oral health problems or diseases. Cheek biting is not only an annoying habit but can also lead to mouth sores and infections. If you find yourself biting your cheeks often and the habit is getting out of control, it might be time to seek help.
A dental professional can help you understand if the habit is due to any dental issues such as misaligned teeth and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Additionally, if the cheek biting persists, it might indicate an underlying physical or psychological condition, and seeking professional help can determine the root cause and develop a customized treatment plan.
“Cheek biting is a habit that can be overcome with time, effort, and a bit of patience. The key to success is understanding the root cause of the habit, identifying the triggers, and taking proactive steps to stop it.”
References
Oral Health Foundation. (n.d.). Why do I keep biting my cheeks? Retrieved August 12, 2021, from https://www.dentalhealth.org/why-do-i-keep-biting-my-cheeks
Mayo Clinic. (2021, January 5). Mouth sores: Definition & facts. Retrieved August 12, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mouth-sores/symptoms-causes/syc-20375994
American Dental Association. (2018, September 5). Mouthguards. Retrieved August 12, 2021, from https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards