Are Lip & Cheek Biting Actually Bad for You? - The Center For Holistic Dentistry

Focusing On Your Whole Body Health

Traducir al español: English | Spanish

You know the feeling. You’re happily chewing away on your lunch, talking with a coworker when all of a sudden, you hear a crunch. You feel the pain. You realize you’ve just bit your cheek (or lip, or tongue — doesn’t really matter, it all hurts!). This painful accident can be an ongoing problem for many. At our dental office in Yorktown Heights, chronic biting of any tissues in the mouth can be concerning. Let’s look at why.

Why is it Bad?

Besides the obvious reason of it hurts, there are a few additional concerns of biting the lips and cheeks. Following a bite, usually a sore appears and lasts a few days. While this isn’t concerning for the occasional nip, if biting is an ongoing problem, sores can become infected. Any infection in the mouth is concerning itself, especially if left untreated.

Why Do We Do it?

Like we’ve previously mentioned, most of the time a bite is accidental and only happens occasionally. If this is the case, there’s probably no reason to be worried. However, when lip or cheek biting becomes a chronic thing, there are a few possible explanations. Most commonly, constant biting is a nervous habit or even done out of boredom, like biting your nails. Other times, there’s an anatomical explanation. If bites are a recurring thing and it’s not because of nervousness, there’s a possibility malocclusion, or a bad bite, is causing the trouble. When the teeth don’t close together neatly, the chance of a cheek or lip getting in between them is high. Additionally, malocclusion can lead to its own problems like headaches, jaw pain, TMJ (temporomandibular disorder), and shifting teeth.

How To Stop

You don’t have to continue to live with the pain and annoyance of constant biting. Try following the tips below:

  • Know your triggers. If your lip or cheek biting is a result of stress or nerves as opposed to a bad bite, start paying attention to when you’re doing it and work to either avoid those triggers or work to consciously stop yourself when the trigger is unavoidable.
  • Enlist the help of friends. There’s a chance you bite more often than you realize, so ask friends to point out when you’re doing it so you can work to stop it.
  • Visit your dentist. If your biting isn’t habitual and your alignment may be an issue, talk with your dentist in Yorktown Heights.

Don’t have a dentist to talk to? Give our Yorktown Heights dental office a call to schedule an appointment. We’re always happy to help, no matter what your concern may be.

Welcoming patients from Yorktown Heights, Putnam Valley, Mahopac, Cortland, Croton, Somers and beyond.

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Dentist In Yorktown Heights, NY

"I can’t thank Dr. Lerner and his staff enough, notably his assistant Nicole for expertly handling my mercury filling removals.I had it done in 2 phases and they took very good care of me on both occasions. The whole office is very pleasant, so professional and I look forward to my visits. On this most recent cleaning appointment, Linda did my cleaning. She was gentle and thorough. Highly recommend."

- Vanessa R.

"Excellent experience during my initial consultation. The most complete examination I have ever had by a dentist, including full body muscle testing. This testing uncovered major alignment issues with my jaw which has been causing a lifetime of misalignment throughout the rest of my body. Dr. Lerner and his staff are outside the box thinkers and I am very happy I have found them."

- Greg R.

"Very professional and compassionate. Love the use of Nucalm, eye mask, calming music, and making removing my mercury fillings a pleasant experience. Well as pleasant as can be. Thank you!!!"

- Jodi B.

"Been seeing Dr Lerner since I was about 11 years old, I’m now 31! I continue to see Jane for cleanings and just did the zoom whitening treatment with them in preparation of my wedding- highly recommend!"

- Chloe L.

*The reviews listed are from actual patients of The Center For Holistic Dentistry. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

Holistic Veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstien, Oprah’s vet of choice, shares how it was Dr. Lerner’s expertise and shared holistic approach that made him trust his treatment.

Dana talks about her concerns about injections and pain and how Dr. Lerner’s holistic approach was reassuring to her.

What To Expect On Your First Visit

Our mission is to encourage full-body wellness through oral health while allowing you to feel heard and understand all your options. During your new patient exam, Dr. Lerner will spend time reviewing your health history, concerns, and goals. Your comprehensive exam will address items you may not have considered such as airway screening and dental materials sensitivity testing. We look forward to meeting you!

Comprehensive Review Of Your Health History & Concerns

Evaluation Of Teeth, Bite, Gums & Airway Passage

Low Radiation Digital X-Rays

Discover Your Options & Receive A Custom Treatment Plan