i bite the inside of cheeks and i bite my toungue, what is that called? and what causes it?

Question

ive been doing that since i was very small, no one else im related to does that, and im curious, could it be stress or something, or just an innate behavior?

Answer 1

I do the same thing. I think it is just a nervous habit. I am trying to break it b/c I have TMJ and this aggravates it. I can't chew gum, either, but it might help you break this habit if you were to chew gum(sugarless--it's good for your teeth) whenever you get the urge to do this! Hope this helps

Answer 2

Yep I used to do it as well and then go to the Dentist and panic over the state of the inside of my mouth. Likewise I 'grind' my teeth. How to stop it? KOJAK! He was from my era a American Police Man who sucked lollipops. I think you can get sugar free lollipops now, save on dental decay, so change this habit. I found it was stress, like I would be watching a tense cliff hanger of a film and start chewing, so I no long watch these types of films. It is also innate behavior, because you have to 'catch' yourself doing it.
Good luck with stopping, take up worry beads or something instead.

Answer 3

It's just like biting your fingernails. I used to do this a lot especially as a teenager. I think it's a way to deal with stress. It took me a long time and a lot of determination to quit doing it. Maybe you can find something else to do to release stress, like meditation or sports, maybe even therapy. Or try to get rid of what ever stresses you. It's not easy, I still bite my cheeks sometimes. I'm 37 now.

Answer 4

The big fancy name for this is "morsicatio buccarum." It's fairly common and not usually a problem unless you are hardcore about it. If it is bad enough to be a problem your dentist can make you a guard to wear while sleeping. You can also chew gum during the day to distract you from your habit.