Why am I biting my cheeks and/or the roof of my mouth?
- January 1, 2025
Biting your cheeks or the roof of your mouth can happen for various reasons, and it’s often a common occurrence that most people experience from time to time. Here are some possible reasons why it might happen:
While occasional cheek or mouth biting is generally harmless, frequent or persistent biting could potentially indicate a more significant issue, such as stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism) or misalignment that may require dental attention. If you find that you’re frequently biting your cheeks or the roof of your mouth, it may be a good idea to consult with an orthodontist such as Dr. Nizam in Calgary. She can examine your teeth and jaw alignment to determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to the problem and recommend appropriate treatment or strategies to prevent further discomfort. Please call our office 403-457-7700 or text 587-875-0830 for further information or to set up an appointment with Dr. Nizam at Impressions Orthodontics in Calgary.
- Dental Issues: Misaligned teeth or dental work (like new braces or retainers) can change your bite alignment temporarily, making it easier to accidentally bite the inside of your cheeks or your palate.
- Stress or Anxiety: People often clench their jaws or grind their teeth when stressed or anxious, which can lead to accidental cheek or mouth biting.
- Chewing Habits: Eating too quickly, chewing gum excessively, or chewing on objects like pens or pencils can increase the likelihood of accidentally biting your cheeks or mouth.
- Poor Oral Habits: Habitually biting or chewing on the inside of your cheeks can develop into a nervous habit.
- Dry Mouth: Decreased saliva production can cause the tissues inside your mouth to become dry and sticky, making it more likely for your cheeks or mouth to get caught between your teeth.
- Dental Trauma: Trauma or injury to the mouth area can sometimes lead to changes in how you bite or chew temporarily.
While occasional cheek or mouth biting is generally harmless, frequent or persistent biting could potentially indicate a more significant issue, such as stress-related teeth grinding (bruxism) or misalignment that may require dental attention. If you find that you’re frequently biting your cheeks or the roof of your mouth, it may be a good idea to consult with an orthodontist such as Dr. Nizam in Calgary. She can examine your teeth and jaw alignment to determine if there are any underlying issues contributing to the problem and recommend appropriate treatment or strategies to prevent further discomfort. Please call our office 403-457-7700 or text 587-875-0830 for further information or to set up an appointment with Dr. Nizam at Impressions Orthodontics in Calgary.