Why do I bite my cheeks?

You may bite your cheeks due to stress or anxiety, which can trigger repetitive behaviors like cheek biting.

Understanding Cheek Biting

Cheek biting, also known as morsicatio buccarum, can be a conscious or subconscious habit where individuals bite the inner lining of their cheeks. This can range from occasional mild biting to frequent and potentially harmful behavior.

Reasons for Cheek Biting

While various factors can contribute to this habit, here's a detailed look at the common causes:

• Stress and Anxiety: As indicated by research, high stress levels can trigger repetitive behaviors, including cheek biting. Individuals may use it as a coping mechanism during stressful situations or when experiencing heightened anxiety.
• Habitual Behavior: Cheek biting can become a learned habit, often starting subconsciously and continuing without awareness. It can be associated with boredom, concentration, or even just a nervous habit.
• Misaligned Bite: Dental issues such as misaligned teeth, an overbite, or underbite can make your cheeks more likely to get caught between your teeth during chewing.
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and can lead to muscle tension and discomfort, which may manifest as teeth clenching or cheek biting.
• Underlying Conditions: In some cases, cheek biting can be associated with underlying conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or body-focused repetitive behavior disorders (BFRBs).

How Stress and Anxiety Play a Role

As referenced, stress and anxiety are significant factors that contribute to cheek biting. When you are stressed, your body reacts by releasing certain hormones that can lead to muscle tension, which you may express by clenching your jaw or biting your cheeks.

• Coping Mechanism: Cheek biting can sometimes serve as a temporary distraction from stressful thoughts or situations.
• Nervous Energy: During anxiety, you might engage in fidgeting and other repetitive actions, including cheek biting, to release pent-up energy.

Practical Insights and Solutions

If you find yourself regularly biting your cheeks, consider the following:

1. Identify Triggers: Pay attention to when and why you bite your cheeks. This can help you understand the underlying causes.
2. Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help manage stress and anxiety.
3. Professional Help: If you suspect your cheek biting is linked to stress, anxiety, or other underlying conditions, seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.
4. Dental Evaluation: Consult your dentist to check for bite alignment issues or TMJ disorders that may be contributing to your cheek biting.
5. Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help to identify and change habitual patterns, including cheek biting.
6. Awareness Training: Focus on being aware of your cheek biting. When you notice yourself doing it, stop and try a different activity.
7. Mouthguards: In some cases, custom-fitted mouthguards or bite appliances can help prevent unintentional cheek biting.

By understanding the reasons behind your cheek biting, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate this behavior.