Biting the inner cheeks, a habit some people develop as a response to stress or frustration, can lead to various oral complications. While seemingly harmless, this behavior, known as chronic cheek bite keratosis, contributes to a range of issues affecting oral health.

The causes behind this habit, including distracting attention, psychological factors, subconscious actions during sleep, and dental issues like broken dentures or poorly fitting crowns, can all contribute to chronic cheek biting.

The consequences of chronic cheek biting are significant. It damages the delicate buccal mucosa lining inside the cheeks, hindering proper healing and resulting in creamy white lesions on the affected surfaces. Pain, burning sensations while eating or drinking, and several potential complications arise from this habit:

Painful canker sores and traumatic ulcers: Persistent biting causes deep wounds, making the area vulnerable to bacterial infections, leading to canker sores and mouth ulcers.

Minor salivary gland pathology: Deep cheek bites may lead to bacterial invasion, blocking the salivary glands, resulting in swelling and intense pain.

Cancer risk: Some research suggests a link between repeated cell divisions due to persistent cheek biting and a potential for cancerous growth or metaplasia in the cheek linings.

Hyperkeratosis: Frequent trauma triggers extra cell production for protective coating, resulting in keratinized spots inside the cheeks. These spots appear white or gray and can cause abrasion against the teeth, further harming the cheeks.

In conclusion, reversing trauma and infection in the inner cheeks involves restraining the irritant causing the biting behavior. Individuals prone to cheek biting should seek solutions such as mouthguards, chewing gums, or other methods to break this harmful habit, often with the guidance and assistance of a dentist.

To know more, visit: https://www.sendhildental.com/inner-cheek-biting-and-oral-problems/