Do I Have a Problem if I Bite My Cheeks?

Biting down on the inside of your cheek is never a pleasant experience. These are very vulnerable tissues, easily prone to aggravation. If you find yourself doing it fairly frequently, it’s not uncommon to start worrying that there may be something wrong with your mouth. So, when should you bring your cheek-biting to the attention of your dentist?

In truth, excessive cheek-biting is probably not the result of any serious problem. Even people with perfectly straight, perfectly healthy teeth are going to have the occasional misstep, and the swelling that results makes it all the more likely that you’re going to do it again in the near future and further aggravate your injury. This results in a vicious cycle that can be difficult to break out of.

When you bite down on your cheek hard enough to damage the tissues, try being mindful of the area for a while. Take care while you chew and allow the area to heal. If your situation is particularly troublesome, an orthodontic wax or similar protective product may be in order. Talk to your dentist to learn more.