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Cheek Biting: Causes and Treatment
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Biting the inside of your cheek inadvertently is common. However, if it is happening consistently, it is a sign of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is triggered by stress and pressure.

Repetitive cheek biting is a bad habit that can leave an abrasion on the inside of the mouth and affect any age group. Cheek biting is an involuntary action and can cause pain due to the softness of the layer inside the mouth. Thus, you should know about cheek biting, its causes and treatments to stay informed about this condition.

Since it is usually connected with stress and dental disorders, it must be examined by an expert. So read the details to overcome this oral problem.

What Is Cheek Biting?

The scientific term for cheek biting is morsicatio buccarum, which is a body-focused repetitive behaviour like nail biting. It can injure the cheek and cause inflammation that can make chewing food uncomfortable.

The repetitive behaviour can be a temporary action or become a chronic habit that appears obsessive. The constant biting can lead to sores and ulcers inside the mouth, and it can even happen while sleeping. It can continue even when the patient tries hard to stop the behaviour.

It is necessary to visit an expert dentist Hope Island to understand the underlying problem of cheek biting and get it treated. If ignored, it can continue for years and cause regular sores.

Different Types of Cheek Biting

Based on the frequency of the bites, the behaviour has been categorised into the five types given below.

  • Accidental Cheek Biting

Commonly, cheek biting is accidental and happens once in a while. It can lead to a canker sore and is not a matter of concern. It can happen while eating or playing a sport and heals on its own.

  • Regular Cheek Biting

If accidental bites happen regularly, even after you take care to avoid them, you could be facing the problem because of misaligned teeth. You must get your teeth examined by a renowned and trusted orthodontist who will suggest Invisalign or veneers depending on the type of misalignment, such as crossbite, overbite, and crowded teeth.

  • Habitual Cheek Biting

It is considered habitual when it constantly happens in a semiconscious state because of an emotional or environmental impact.

  • Chronic Cheek Biting

When the biting becomes an obsession and continues despite conscious attempts to control it, the person is suffering from body-focused repetitive behaviour. It can cause scarring or eroded cheek tissue. It can also impact the confidence levels and sociability of the person.

  • Cheek Biting While Sleeping

Cheek biting in sleep is different from bruxism. While teeth grinding affects the teeth, cheek biting affects the inner walls of the mouth. However, both are involuntary and not in control of the person suffering from the problem. Dentists recommend using a soft guard to protect the cheeks from the bites.

What Are the Common Causes of Cheek Biting?

The causes of chronic cheek biting can differ and include the following:

  • Misaligned teeth can cause incorrect biting while chewing food
  • Sometimes wisdom teeth which are deflected towards the cheek cause cuts on the inner walls of the cheeks
  • It can be an unintentional response to stress or anxiety at home or work
  • It can be an unintended reaction because of monotony and idleness that leads to boredom
  • It can be a partially conscious response to an emotional burden or uncomfortable environmental factors

What Is The Treatment for Cheek Biting?

The treatment for the problem depends on the underlying cause. If the problem is oral, like misaligned teeth, it can be treated by the dentist. However, if it is related to mental health and OCD, you need to undergo therapy with a psychologist and medication to reduce stress.

Habitual cheek biting can be corrected by understanding the ill effects of the bad habit and taking measures to control the desire to bite. Dentists in Hope Island suggest chewing gum to avoid chewing of cheeks when idle or feeling anxious. Also, nervousness can be reduced by following a mental health regimen that includes daily meditation and yoga to release the pressure.

If the anxious response occurs in the presence of a person or environment, it is better to stay away from such encounters and situations. For example, if you notice that you start biting while you are completing a work assignment or playing a sport, you need to distract yourself by chewing gum or trying to relax your mind.

Cognitive behaviour therapy is another treatment used to reduce anxiousness that causes biting. Psychologists also use habit reversal training to make the individual aware of the negative behaviour that is causing self-destruction and make them overcome it. Some mindfulness techniques are also beneficial in getting rid of the habit.

Wrapping Up

Intermittent cheek biting is normal. However, if the problem persists and injures the inner membranes of the cheeks, you need to get your mouth examined by a dentist to get it treated.