Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek is irritating and can be painful mainly if it keeps happening repeatedly. If you have a recurring cheek-biting problem with your back teeth, it might be worth seeing a dentist to see if the issue can be corrected.
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Why Do I Keep Biting My Cheek with My Back Teeth?
“My back teeth keep biting my teeth. Why is this happening to me”? First, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Stressing out will only exacerbate the issue.
As to why it is happening, you might find the answer below.
Misalignment
One of the most common reasons for repeated cheek biting is a teeth or jaw misalignment. Malocclusion condition means the upper and lower teeth aren’t resting together correctly.
A malocclusion makes it more likely for your teeth to catch the inside of your cheek when you bite down. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, crossbites are among the most common forms of malocclusion. Wisdom teeth can also push your teeth out of alignment as they grow in, resulting in the same problems as a crossbite or misaligned jaw.
Fast or Careless Chewing
If you tend to eat fast mainly while focusing on another task, you are more likely to be careless about where you’re putting your teeth. This makes it more likely for you to bite the inside of your cheek while chewing. You can also run into trouble if you tend to favor one side of your mouth more than the other while chewing.
Ill-Fitting Dental Devices
Braces and retainers are meant to resolve dental issues, but if they are not sized properly, they can cause a whole new set of problems. Poorly fitted dental devices can cause teeth to misalign, making it more likely that you will accidentally bite your cheek.
Stress
If you ask, “My back teeth keep biting my cheek – what’s going on?” you should also ask yourself “Am I more stressed out than usual?” Biting the inside of your cheek can be a conscious or unconscious coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Repetitive cheek biting creates a raised ridge along the inside of the cheek, making it more likely that you will accidentally bite yourself while chewing.
My Back Teeth Keep Biting My Cheek. What Can I Do?
To stop repeated cheek biting by back teeth, you will likely need a dentist to evaluate what is happening inside your mouth.
The following treatments and home remedies may help provide relief:
- Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater gargle to reduce inflammation
- Taking over-the-counter pain relief medication
- Talking to a doctor psychologist about ways to reduce stress
- Wearing a mouthguard while you sleep
Final Thoughts
It may seem like a small thing, but repeatedly biting the inside of your mouth can put a severe damper on your day and it is not something you should have to live with. Make an appointment with a professional dentist and tell them, “My back teeth keep biting my cheek”. They will be able to diagnose what is causing the problem and offer a detailed treatment plan to correct it.