You Can Get an Infection by Biting the Insides of Your Cheeks

Posted on 12/21/2020 by Barbara Ketchum

Some people don't think much about biting the insides of their cheeks. It just becomes a habit. However, this type of habit can lead to an oral infection. If you scratch the inside of your cheek or cause it to bleed, you can end up with an infection.

Chronic Cheek Biting

Chronic cheek biting, known as morsicatio buccarum, is defined as a body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB), often caused by an emotional overload or stress. Therefore, to stop the habit, it is helpful to find a way to cope with stress and minimize its effects. In some cases, cheek biting results from alignment issues. If this is the reason for cheek biting, we may suggest orthodontic care and treatment. The irritation resulting from cheek biting may also lead to a bacterial infection, which causes an inflammation, known as stomatitis, Stomatitis, which causes a sore and inflamed mouth, makes it difficult for a patient to talk, eat, or sleep. It may appear on the inside of the cheeks, from cheek biting, or on the gums, palate, tongue, or lips.

How Stomatitis Is Treated

Stomatitis, when caused by an infection that results from cheek biting, is treated by applying a topical medication. To prevent further episodes of cheek biting, we may recommend that the patient wear a protective mouth guard at night. Finding the underlying cause for the habit will help reduce the risk of a mouth infection.

If you bite your inside cheek, you may have a problem with stress or a misalignment issue. Cheek biting is not a harmless habit. If you regularly bite the inside of your cheek, find out what triggers it so you can protect your oral health. In the meantime, give us a call if your cheek biting has caused an oral infection. Contact us now for an exam and consultation.

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Oak Park Dental, 3380 Astoria Way NE, Salem, OR 97305 | (971) 600-0211 | salemsmiles.com | 11/30/2023 | Associated Words: dentist Salem OR |