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Why You Bite Your Cheek and How to Stop

May 18, 2020 - toothbar - 0 comments Austin Preventive Dentistry

Is it an accident or chronic habit? This is a question Austin Preventative Dentistry can help answer. Whether it occurs from inattentive chewing or repetitive stress and/or anxiety behavior, cheek biting happens to both children and adults. A cheek bite is a very painful experience, which can also involve the tongue or lips. It can be a serious health risk if it becomes a regular, body-focused condition known medically as chronic cheek bite keratosis and scientifically as morsicatio buccarum.

Why Cheek Biting is Serious

The five primary types of cheek biting are:

  1. Periodic accidental
  2. Regular accidental
  3. While asleep
  4. Habitual, and
  5. BFRD or Obsessive/Psychological.

Regardless of type, it is important to realize that biting one’s cheek causes injury to the mouth. In habitual conditions, preventative measures are a key element. Austin Preventative Dentistry is a great resource to assist in identifying the core issue(s).

This self-inflicted injury causes trauma to oral tissue with possible health or cosmetic effects. It can cause canker/mouth sores that can become infectious. Regular cheek biting may be an indication of a misaligned bite (malocclusion). A misaligned bite can lead to shifted teeth, a sore jaw, headaches, and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). Continual trauma can result in or contribute to hyperkeratosis, minor salivary gland pathology or oral carcinogenesis.

 

Who is Cheek Biting

In a United States survey of 10,030 children aged 2-17 years, the percentage of cheek and lip biting was 1.89 percent. Based on research data, this unhealthy oral habit affects 750 out of every one million individuals with women more at risk than men.

Chronic cheek bite keratosis is rather common in urban areas with high stress levels according to dental surgeon Dr. Richard Marques BDS. Statistical data shows, as of January 2020, with an estimated United States population of 329,227,746, there are approximately 246,920 individuals suffering with cheek bite.

 

How to Stop Cheek Biting

 

This leads to a final question. How to stop cheek biting? Due to its serious nature, seek a dentist for proper help. The dentist can provide thorough examinations with treatment recommendations.

With a misaligned bite or missing teeth, the dentist may advise treatments such as those available at Austin Invisalign Dentistry or Austin Cosmetic Dentistry.

What is the Outlook

 

The great news is the damage caused by cheek biting is reversible with the proper treatment. Oral issues related to pain, bleeding, or orofacial trauma require professional dental practitioners like those located in Austin, Texas at the Toothbar.

If cheek bite is a problem, schedule an appointment with a quality dental professional at the Toothbar. With their Austin Preventative Dentistry, Austin Invisalign Dentistry or Austin Cosmetic Dentistry, the Toothbar provides innovative dental services with a spa like experience. They work to determine the best plan for a better quality of life with the best possible smile.

Dr. Kimberley Barclay

Co-founder and owner Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on cosmetic dentistry. She is also a member of the Seattle Study Club, one of the most advanced education groups for dental professionals.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the
aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

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This content was fact-checked by Dr. Kimberley Barclay and Dr. Lauren Jacobsen following editorial guidelines. Dr. Kimberley Barclay is actively involved in local and national dental societies, including the Capital Area Dental Society and Spear Education courses on Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Lauren Jacobsen is an active member of the dental community and engages in further education and training through membership with a local chapter of the Seattle Study Club and Spear Education courses.

Schedule Your Visit Now

Our team is ready to book your appointment. The proper Dental Care can make the difference in years to come. We don't just improve the aesthetics of your smile, we make sure your dental health is set for the long run.

Schedule your visit now