Cheek Biting: Causes, Risks and How to Manage It

Have you ever bitten the inside of your cheek while eating or talking? It might seem like a small issue, but cheek biting can become a frequent and uncomfortable habit for many people. 

At No Gaps Dental, we regularly see patients who are concerned about cheek biting – whether it’s causing pain, affecting their oral health, or becoming a hard-to-break habit.

Here’s what you need to know about this common condition and how we can help.

What Is Cheek Biting?

Cheek biting, medically known as morsicatio buccarum, happens when a person unintentionally or habitually bites the soft tissue inside their mouth. It may occur:

• Accidentally, while chewing or speaking
• Habitually, as a repetitive behaviour triggered by stress or anxiety
• Due to dental issues, such as misaligned teeth or poorly fitting dental work

Over time, repeated biting can cause the inner cheek to become sore, swollen, or develop thickened white patches that feel rough or uncomfortable.

Common Causes of Cheek Biting

There are several reasons you might find yourself biting the inside of your cheek.

Dental or Bite Problems

• Misaligned teeth (malocclusion) or sharp edges on crowns, fillings, or dentures can catch the cheek.
• Uneven bites may increase the chance of biting during regular chewing or speaking.
  

Habit or Stress Response

• Similar to nail biting or lip chewing, cheek biting can become a nervous habit.
• Many people bite their cheeks unconsciously during periods of stress, anxiety, or deep concentration.
  

Eating Quickly or Talking While Chewing

• Occasional cheek biting can happen when you’re in a hurry or distracted during meals.
  

Potential Risks and Complications

Occasional cheek biting isn’t usually serious, but frequent or ongoing biting may be a sign of an underlying dental or behavioural issue.
It’s time to seek help if you notice any of the following:

• Pain and soreness, especially when eating or speaking
• Ulcers or open wounds from repeated trauma
• Increased risk of infection if the area breaks open or isn’t kept clean
• White or thickened patches due to chronic irritation (morsicatio buccarum)
• Scarring or permanent tissue changes in severe or long-term cases
• Emotional impact, as it can become a compulsive or stress-related habit
• Difficulty detecting other oral issues, such as lesions or abnormal changes
  

How Dentists Assess Cheek Biting Issues

When you visit the dentist about cheek biting, they will:

• Review your history – asking how often it happens, if it’s accidental or habitual, and whether stress might be a factor
• Examine your mouth – checking for sore spots, white patches, or signs of chronic irritation
• Check your bite – looking for misaligned teeth or bite issues that might be causing your cheek to get caught
• Assess dental work – inspecting crowns, fillings, braces, or dentures that might be irritating the cheek
• Consider nighttime habits – such as clenching or grinding, which may contribute to cheek trauma
  

Based on the findings, your dentist will recommend the most suitable treatment, which may include a dental adjustment, a custom mouthguard, or strategies to break the habit.

Management and Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on whether cheek biting is accidental, habitual, or caused by dental problems. Here are some common approaches:

Dental Corrections

• Fix misaligned teeth with orthodontic treatment
• Smooth sharp teeth or adjust dental work
• Use a night guard if biting happens during sleep
  

Habit Control

• Identify triggers and work to break the habit
• Try sugar-free gum or stress-relief techniques
• In more serious cases, therapy (such as CBT) may help
  

Healing and Protection

• Rinse with salt water
• Use soothing gels or ointments
• Avoid spicy or crunchy foods while healing
  

Ongoing Monitoring

• Dentists may track tissue changes
• Unusual or persistent patches may need further evaluation
  

Prevention and Self-Care Tips

• Visit your dentist to check your bite and dental work
• Use a night guard if biting happens during sleep
• Be mindful and try to break the habit (for example, chew sugar-free gum)
• Rinse with warm salt water and avoid irritating foods while healing
• Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection
• See your dentist if sores or patches don’t heal
  

We’re Here to Help – Book Your Appointment Today

If you’ve noticed ongoing cheek biting, discomfort, or changes inside your mouth, the team at No Gaps Dental is here to help.

We’ll examine your bite, rule out any underlying issues, and provide the right treatment to keep your smile healthy and pain-free. Make a booking online today!