Contents:
- Medical Video: Cheek Biting -Why and How to stop it? -Dr. Abhishek Bhadranna
- Is biting the inner cheek a disease?
- Why does anyone like to bite the cheek inside?
- 1. Careless when chewing or talking
- 2. The position of the teeth fall apart
- What is the impact if you often bite the cheeks inside?
- How to stop this habit?
- How to treat wounds from bites
Medical Video: Cheek Biting -Why and How to stop it? -Dr. Abhishek Bhadranna
Cheek biting aka biting the inner cheek is one of the habits that is similar to people who often bite their nails. It seems that this is a natural habit that is not harmful. However, actually this behavior can be a form of reaction to stress and anxiety. This habit also has a bad impact on the inner cheek that is bitten. Come on, find out more about the habit of biting the cheeks inside below.
Is biting the inner cheek a disease?
Cheek biting or biting the cheek inside is one form of habit that is done unconsciously and repeatedly. In most cases, bite inside cheeks is a habit that has been done since childhood and lasts throughout adulthood.
A common trigger for people to do cheek biting habits is psychological conditions such as stress, anxiety, and boredom.
However, if someone has continuously bit the inner cheek medically called chronic cheek bite keratosis. This condition is included in the type Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior, namely the habit of repeating an activity that involves repetitive parts of the body such as biting your nails, tugging at your hair, or blinking your eyes.
Why does anyone like to bite the cheek inside?
The most common cause of the condition cheek biting is a strong urge to bite something to relieve stress and anxiety experienced. People who have the habit of biting their cheeks in finding ways to reduce anxiety, stress, and boredom by biting their cheeks inside repeatedly, without realizing it.
In addition to habits, biting the cheek can also occur due to accident and anatomical conditions in the oral cavity. Here are two main reasons why someone likes to bite the cheek inside.
1. Careless when chewing or talking
Sometimes when you chew food, you are too hasty and accidentally bite your inner cheek. So, it is very necessary to chew with focus so that the cheeks are not bitten and cause sores in the mouth.
Sometimes when talking people can also accidentally bite their inner cheeks.
2. The position of the teeth fall apart
When the position or anatomy of the tooth is not in accordance with the place it should be, usually the upper and lower jaws will not close properly. The brain is aware of this condition and sometimes reflexively moves the teeth. To overcome the condition of the teeth that cannot be closed tightly, the inner cheeks are moved so that over time the friction between the teeth and the inner cheeks can cause injuries to the lips.
If added to certain psychological conditions such as anxiety and stress, the habit of biting the cheeks in will get worse. In some people, uneven teeth can also cause psychological dependence to continuously bite the inner cheek.
What is the impact if you often bite the cheeks inside?
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 unconsciously. You also don't realize when exactly you will start biting your cheeks.
Usually You have one favorite point that is always bitten. Maybe even this part has often been injured.What's worse is when the cheek skin is chewed then the cheek layer becomes rough and uneven like the usual layer of the mouth. After the wound heals, it's not impossible you will start the habit of biting your cheeks again.
This endless cycle can make physical complications worse for the skin in the mouth. You may need to consult a doctor how to treat the damage.The injury caused depends on the severity of this habit.
How to stop this habit?
Stopping biting cheeks inside is a challenge because you may not know when you will do this.
However, because one of the causes of this habit is the emergence of feelings of anxiety, stress, or boredom, reducing these three things is one of the most effective ways to reduce this habit. The other ways to stop it include:
- Chew slowly. Some people don't have enough concentration when they eat so that 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 promote awareness that this habit is unhealthy and dangerous.
- If you are experiencing severe anxiety and stress, usually by a doctor some drugs are given such as anticemas and antidepressants.
How to treat wounds from bites
Don't forget to always clean the wounds that arise from this bite. If there is bleeding in the mouth, cool compress to the bleeding area with ice wrapped in a soft cloth. Also clean the wound to avoid infection.
The use of antiseptic mouthwash is one way to prevent infection. If you feel there are difficulties when eating or talking because there are things that interfere with the inside of your mouth, you should immediately consult your dentist.
