Reasons Why You’re Biting Your Cheek (And How to Stop)

If you have a habit of biting your cheek, you know how uncomfortable and annoying it can be. Biting your cheek can cause pain and soreness and can even lead to scarring or infection. Fortunately, you can stop biting your cheek and get relief.

If you’re looking for tips to help you stop biting your cheek, you’ve come to the right article. It’s time for you to get back to living a comfortable, bite-free life!

Why You May Be Biting Your Cheek

Biting your cheek is a very common habit and happens due to various reasons. For example, if you are anxious, you may bite your cheek as a form of stress relief. If that is the case, find healthier ways to relieve stress. For example, practicing relaxation techniques can help. 

Another cause of cheek biting may be a misaligned bite or malocclusion. If you find that you are biting your cheek often, it may be a good idea to see your dentist. They can tell you whether there’s a dental issue causing the problem. 

Finally, incorrect chewing can cause you to bite your cheek without noticing. Try paying close attention to how you move your jaw when you chew. Doing this helps you identify any problem areas that may be causing you to bite your cheek. 

Stopping this habit is vital to your mouth’s health, so read on for tips on how to stop biting your mouth. 

1. Find Healthier Ways to Relieve Your Anxiety 

Biting your cheek can be a common response to anxiety and stress. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to long-term damage to the skin. In worse cases, it can even lead to infection. 

Instead of biting your cheek, there are healthier ways to manage your anxiety. Exercise, deep breathing, and mindfulness are great ways to reduce stress. You can also talk to a friend or family member. 

Speaking to a counselor may also help if you feel overwhelmed. Taking care of your mental health is essential to your overall well-being. So, it’s important to find healthier ways to manage your anxiety. 

2. Correct Your Misaligned Bite 

Biting your cheek is a common habit that can cause tissue damage and pain in the affected area. Misaligned bites can be a contributing factor in the development of this habit. To correct misaligned bites, visit a dentist for a comprehensive exam and treatment plan. 

Treatments may include braces or orthodontic devices. If those don’t work, a dentist may suggest jaw surgery. Sometimes getting surgery is the only way to improve the functioning of the mouth and jaw.

With proper treatment, patients can reduce the frequency and intensity of cheek-biting. The result is that they experience improved oral health. 

3. Prevent Biting Your Cheek While Sleeping

It is common to wake up with a sore cheek after a night of rest. This is often due to an unconscious habit of biting your cheek while sleeping. This habit can cause some serious damage to your cheek if not addressed. 

To stop this habit while sleeping, avoid sleeping on your stomach. Sleeping on your side makes it harder for your teeth to come into contact with your cheek. You can also try wearing a nightguard. A nightguard can help prevent your teeth from touching your cheek. 

Additionally, you should practice relaxation techniques. Part of relaxing is also maintaining a comfortable sleeping environment. With some effort, you can successfully stop biting your cheek while sleeping. 

4. Chew on Some Gum Instead

Instead of biting your cheek, try chewing on some sugar-free gum instead. Chewing gum can help you focus on something else. Plus, it’s an excellent stress reducer.

It’s a much better alternative to putting your teeth on the inside of your cheek. Gum can also help reduce cravings for sweet foods. Whenever you feel the urge to bite your cheek, pop in a piece of gum. You’ll be on your way to getting rid of the habit for good. 

5. Be Careful While Playing Sports 

It’s easy to accidentally bite your cheek and injure your mouth while playing sports. To prevent this, it is important to wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard is a piece of protective equipment that covers your teeth, gums, and lips. Wearing one will stop you from biting your cheek. Plus, it’ll help prevent other injuries to your mouth. 

Biting your cheek while focusing on a game may be anxiety related. If you feel yourself biting your cheek, try to relax and focus on your movements and breathing. This will help you control your body and prevent further injuries. 

Conclusion

Biting your cheek can be troublesome, but you can stop this habit with the right steps. It’s important to practice mindful eating and find ways to keep your mouth and hands busy. In addition, it’s important to be aware of any underlying causes of the habit. For example, stress, boredom, or anxiety may be causing you to take it out on your cheek. 

Take the time to understand the underlying reasons and take steps to reduce the habit. Focusing on your recovery can help break the cycle. With a little bit of effort and patience, you can finally stop biting your cheek.