Table of contents:
- Is biting the inner cheek a disease?
- Why would anyone like to bite the deep cheek?
- 1. Careless when chewing or talking
- 2. Messy teeth position
- What is the impact if you often bite the deep cheek?
- How do I break this habit?
- How to treat bite wounds
Cheek biting aka biting the inner cheek is a habit that is similar to those of people who often bite their nails. It seemed like a natural habit that was harmless. However, this behavior can actually be a reaction to stress and anxiety. This habit also has a bad impact on the part of the inner cheek that is bitten. Come on, find out more about the habit of biting the deep cheeks below.
Is biting the inner cheek a disease?
Cheek biting or biting the inner cheek is a form of habit that is done unconsciously and repeatedly. In most cases, deep cheek biting is a childhood habit and lasts throughout adulthood.
Common triggers for deep cheek biting are psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and boredom.
However, if a person has been continuously biting the inner cheek it is medically called chronic cheek bite keratosis. This condition is included in the types Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior, namely the habit of repeating an activity that involves repeated body parts such as nail biting, hair pulling, or blinking.
Why would anyone like to bite the deep cheek?
The most common cause of the condition cheek biting is a strong urge to take a bite to relieve stress and anxiety. People who have the habit of biting their cheeks seek to relieve anxiety, stress, and boredom by biting their inner cheeks repeatedly, without realizing it.
Apart from being a habit, cheek biting can also occur due to accident and anatomical conditions in the oral cavity. Here are the two main reasons why someone has a hobby of biting the inner cheek.
1. Careless when chewing or talking
Sometimes when chewing food, you are too rushed and accidentally bite your inner cheek. Thus, it is very necessary to chew with a focus so that the cheek does not get bitten and cause sores in the mouth.
Sometimes when talking, people can accidentally bite their inner cheek.
2. Messy teeth position
When the position or anatomy of the teeth doesn't fit where it should be, usually the upper and lower jaw will not close properly. The brain is aware of this condition and sometimes reflexes to move the teeth. To overcome the condition of the teeth that cannot be closed tightly, the inner cheek likes to be moved so that after a long time the friction between the teeth and the inner cheek can cause sores in the lips as well.
If coupled with certain psychological conditions such as anxiety and stress, the habit of biting the inner cheek will get worse. In some people, misaligned teeth can also result in a psychological dependence on persistently biting on the inner cheek.
What is the impact if you often bite the deep cheek?
Most people don't realize that this habit can cause serious damage to the inner lining of the mouth. You may just realize when the wound has appeared. This habit will indeed be carried out without realizing it. You don't even know exactly when you will start biting your cheek.
Usually you have one favorite spot that you always bite into. Maybe even this part has often been injured. What's even worse is when the skin on the cheeks is chewed and the lining of the cheeks becomes rough and uneven like the lining of the mouth usually. After the wound has healed, it is not impossible that you will start the habit of biting your inner cheek again.
This endless cycle can make physical complications even worse for the skin in the mouth. You may need to consult your doctor on how to treat the damage. The wounds incurred depend on the severity of this habit.
How do I break this habit?
Breaking the habit of biting deep cheeks is a challenge because you may not know when to do this.
However, since one of the causes for this habit is feelings of anxiety, stress, or boredom, reducing these three is one of the most effective ways to reduce the habit. There are other ways to stop it, including:
- Chew slowly. Some people don't concentrate enough when they eat so this can cause bite injuries in the mouth.
- Counseling and psychotherapy. This method is quite helpful, to change habits related to psychological problems that need to be guided and corrected. Psychotherapy may be needed to raise awareness that this habit is unhealthy and dangerous.
- If you are experiencing severe anxiety and stress, doctors usually give several drugs such as anti-anxiety and antidepressants.
How to treat bite wounds
Don't forget to always clean the wound that appears from this bite. If there is bleeding in the mouth, apply a cold compress to the bleeding area with ice wrapped in a soft cloth. Also clean the wound to avoid infection.
Using an antiseptic mouthwash is one way to prevent infection. If you feel that you have difficulty eating or talking because there is something irritating the inside of your mouth, you should immediately consult your dentist.
