Occasional lip, cheek, or tongue biting is a common annoyance, often happening when we eat too fast or talk while chewing. However, if you find yourself frequently asking, “Why Do I Keep Biting My Lip?” it’s more than just an accident. This persistent issue can be painful, create sores, and may indicate an underlying problem. Let’s explore the common reasons behind frequent lip biting and what you can do about it.
Common Causes of Frequent Lip Biting
While a one-off bite is usually nothing to worry about, consistently biting your lip, cheek, or tongue can stem from a few key factors. These can generally be categorized into behavioral habits and dental or structural issues.
Habitual Lip Biting and BFRBs
Sometimes, lip biting becomes a habit, much like nail-biting or hair-pulling. In some cases, this can be related to what’s known as Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). BFRBs are characterized by repetitive self-grooming behaviors in which individuals bite, pull, pick, or scratch at their own hair, skin, nails, or lips. These behaviors are classified as being related to obsessive-compulsive disorder and may be triggered by stress, boredom, or anxiety. If you suspect your lip biting is a conscious or subconscious habit, particularly if it occurs outside of eating, exploring potential BFRB triggers could be beneficial.
Malocclusion: Misaligned Teeth and Jaws
More often than not, frequent accidental biting during eating points to a dental problem, specifically malocclusion. Malocclusion is a dental term for misaligned teeth or jaws. When your teeth don’t align properly when you bite down, it can disrupt your bite pattern. This misalignment makes it easier for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to get in the way when you’re chewing.
Alt text: A smiling woman showcases her straight teeth, highlighting the results of orthodontic treatment for malocclusion.
Malocclusion can manifest in various forms, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Regardless of the specific type, the uneven bite distribution increases the likelihood of accidentally biting the soft tissues in your mouth. Beyond accidental bites, malocclusion can also lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
Another significant dental issue associated with lip, cheek, and tongue biting is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. The TMJ is the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, acting like a sliding hinge. TMJ disorders encompass pain and dysfunction in this joint and the surrounding muscles.
TMJ disorders can be caused by various factors, including teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injuries, arthritis, and stress. Like malocclusion, TMJ disorder can throw off your bite, making it unbalanced and unpredictable. Inflammation and muscle spasms associated with TMJ issues can also restrict jaw movement, making eating and chewing more awkward and increasing the chances of accidental bites. Symptoms of TMJ disorder can include jaw pain, headaches, clicking or popping in the jaw joint, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth fully.
Solutions for Frequent Lip Biting
The approach to stopping frequent lip biting depends largely on the underlying cause.
For Habitual Lip Biting (BFRBs):
- Awareness and Monitoring: Becoming consciously aware of when and why you bite your lip is the first step. Keeping a journal to track biting episodes can help identify triggers.
- Stress Management: If stress or anxiety is a trigger, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or exercise can be beneficial.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training are effective therapeutic approaches for managing BFRBs.
- Mouthguards: In some cases, a mouthguard, especially worn at night, can act as a physical barrier to prevent lip biting, especially if it occurs subconsciously during sleep.
For Malocclusion and TMJ Disorders:
- Orthodontic Treatment: For malocclusion, orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign, SureSmile) can effectively realign teeth and jaws, correcting the bite and reducing accidental biting.
Alt text: A detailed view of Invisalign clear aligners, showcasing a discreet orthodontic treatment option for correcting misaligned teeth.
- TMJ Disorder Treatment: Treatment for TMJ disorders varies depending on the severity and cause, and may include:
- Mouthguards or Splints: To stabilize the jaw joint and reduce teeth grinding.
- Physical Therapy: To improve jaw mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Medications: Pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and inflammation.
- Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid or Botox injections may be used to relieve pain and muscle spasms.
- Surgery: Surgery is typically a last resort for severe TMJ disorders.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you are consistently biting your lip, cheek, or tongue, especially if it’s painful, causing sores, or interfering with eating, it’s important to consult with a dentist. A dental professional can diagnose the underlying cause of your frequent biting, whether it’s malocclusion, TMJ disorder, or another dental issue. They can then recommend the most appropriate treatment plan to correct the problem, alleviate your discomfort, and help you enjoy meals without the worry of accidental bites. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist to discuss your concerns and explore solutions for a healthier, more comfortable mouth.
