Most people have probably bitten the insides of their cheeks accidentally while eating or from an injury. The occasional bite to the inside of your cheek is usually nothing to worry about unless you bite down very hard. But if you find yourself biting the insides of your cheeks frequently, this could be the sign of a dental problem. Keep reading to learn more.
Alignment Issues
Chronic cheek biting can be the result of a dental alignment issue, or malocclusion. If your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly when you close your mouth, the inside of your cheek can get caught between them. Overcrowding and teeth erupting at the wrong angles can also increase your likelihood of frequent cheek biting. This sometimes happens when the wisdom teeth start to grow in, as there is often not enough room in the mouth for these teeth, causing them to deflect out towards the cheek. While cheek biting on its own may not seem like a big deal to you, it can be painful and lead to sores and lesions on the inside of your mouth. Plus, a misaligned bite can cause numerous other problems as well, including speech issues, problems chewing, chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorder, and damage to teeth due to uneven wear and tear. Braces and clear aligners can help realign your teeth and put a stop to your chronic cheek biting. If overcrowding or problematic wisdom teeth are leading to your constant cheek biting, extracting these teeth may be necessary.
Other Causes of Regular Cheek Biting
Sometimes, a poorly fitting dental crown or other restoration can cause you to frequently bite the inside of your cheek. Other people bite the insides of their cheeks as a symptom of TMJ disorder, as a subconscious response to stress and anxiety, or due to a mental health syndrome like obsessive-compulsive disorder. No matter what the cause behind your chronic cheek biting is, coming to see us for an evaluation is a good first step. Call our office today to learn more.
