Dangers of Chewing on the Insides of Your Cheeks
Posted on 12/1/2025 by Brian Rounds, DDS |
 Do you ever find yourself mindlessly nibbling on the inside of your cheeks? It might seem like a harmless habit, but this common behavior can actually cause some serious problems in your mouth. Let’s explore why chewing on your cheek is something you should try to stop and how it impacts your overall oral care.
Why Do We Do It? Chewing on your cheek, sometimes called cheek biting, is often a subconscious habit. It can be triggered by stress, boredom, or anxiety. Some people do it without even realizing they're doing it! Sometimes, it's related to misaligned teeth or jaw problems, which can cause the cheek to get caught between your teeth more easily. In other cases, it might be a learned behavior developed in childhood that persists into adulthood.
The Harmful Effects The inside of your mouth is covered in a delicate lining called the oral mucosa. When you repeatedly chew or bite this lining, you're causing trauma to the tissue. This trauma can lead to several issues:
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Sores and Ulcers: Constant irritation can cause painful sores and ulcers to form inside your cheek. These can be sensitive to acidic foods and drinks, making eating and drinking uncomfortable. |
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Scar Tissue: Repeated damage can lead to the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue can make the cheek thicker and tougher, which can, ironically, make you want to chew on it even more! This creates a vicious cycle. |
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Infection: Any break in the skin, like a sore or ulcer, provides an entry point for bacteria. This can lead to infections, which can cause swelling, redness, and pain. |
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Increased Risk of Oral Cancer: While the link is not definitive, chronic irritation to the oral mucosa has been suggested as a potential contributing factor to the development of oral cancer over many years. This is why it's so important to address this habit early on. |
Breaking the Habit The first step in stopping the habit of chewing on cheek is to become aware of when you're doing it. Pay attention to the situations and emotions that trigger the behavior. Once you are aware, try these techniques:
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Stress Management: If stress is a trigger, explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. |
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Chewing Gum: Sugar-free gum can provide an alternative oral fixation. |
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Oral Appliances: In some cases, a dentist might recommend a custom-made oral appliance to prevent you from biting your cheek. |
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Behavioral Therapy: If the habit is deeply ingrained, a therapist specializing in habit reversal techniques may be helpful. |
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Address Underlying Dental Issues: If misaligned teeth or jaw problems are contributing, talk to your dentist about possible treatments like orthodontics. |
Prevention Dentistry and Cheek Chewing Prevention dentistry focuses on stopping problems before they start. When it comes to cheek biting, it is important to be proactive. Regular dental check-ups are crucial. Your dentist can identify any underlying issues that might be contributing to the habit and recommend strategies to help you break it. They can also monitor any areas of chronic irritation for any signs of concern. Remember, taking care of your oral health is an important part of your overall well-being. |
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