Cheek and lip biting is a widespread habit that many people develop without realizing it. It typically occurs under pressure, when mentally preoccupied, or even as a subconscious gesture during focused tasks.
Rare instances of self-biting may seem harmless, chronic cheek or lip biting is associated with the development or worsening of jaw misalignment, which is defined as the abnormal positioning of teeth and jaws.
With prolonged repetition, repeated pressure from the buccal and labial tissues against the teeth can shift their position. This is most pronounced in young patients whose facial bones are developing and are highly susceptible to environmental stimuli.
Recurrent lip pressure can draw incisors into the mouth, leading to crowding or an deep bite. Similarly, traumatizing the buccal mucosa can induce tissue irritation, which can disrupt the anatomical alignment of back teeth.
Occasionally, persistent oral self-injury can result in the development of hypertrophic connective tissue that permanently limits normal jaw movement. This hinders ideal occlusal growth and 墨田区 部分矯正 raises the risk of requiring braces later in life.
Moreover, people with malocclusion may be more likely to experience cheek and lip biting because irregular occlusion create irregular contours that frequently snag the oral membranes during chewing or articulating words.
It forms a vicious pattern: misaligned teeth cause trauma, and oral habits exacerbate dental displacement.
Breaking the habit requires conscious recognition and often habit-reversal training or the application of orthodontic devices to prevent interaction between oral mucosa and dentition.
Orthodontists often look for signs of cheek or lip biting when assessing bite patterns because it can be an key diagnostic marker in identifying root triggers of a patient’s malocclusion.
Intervening promptly, during growth phases, can mitigate the development of severe malocclusion and reduce the need for major corrective interventions down the line.
