Understanding The Role Of Cheek And Lip Biting In Malocclusion

Biting the inside of the cheeks or lips is a common habit that a significant portion of the population exhibits unconsciously. It frequently arises when anxious, during distraction, or even as a subconscious gesture during focused tasks.



Although occasional biting may appear benign, repetitive cheek or lip biting can contribute to the onset or worsening of teeth misalignment, which describes the misfit of teeth and jaws.



As the habit continues, repeated pressure from the cheeks and lips against the teeth can shift their position. This is especially true in young patients whose skeletal structures remain malleable and are more responsive to external forces.



The constant inward pressure can retract anterior teeth, leading to overlapping teeth or an deep bite. Similarly, repeated cheek trauma can cause inflammation and 墨田区 前歯矯正 swelling, which can disrupt the anatomical alignment of posterior dentition.



In some cases, persistent oral self-injury can result in the development of fibrous tissue that further restricts normal jaw movement. This may disrupt ideal occlusal growth and raises the risk of undergoing corrective dental intervention in adulthood.



Additionally, people with malocclusion may be at higher risk for oral tissue trauma because misaligned teeth create uneven surfaces that easily catch the mucosal lining while eating or articulating words.



This creates a cycle: malocclusion leads to biting, and repeated trauma aggravates misalignment.



Breaking the habit requires conscious recognition and often habit-reversal training or the use of dental appliances to reduce contact between oral mucosa and dentition.



Orthodontists often look for clinical indicators of self-inflicted injury during evaluations because it can be an important clue in identifying root triggers of a patient’s malocclusion.



Intervening promptly, especially in younger patients, can reduce the risk of more serious orthodontic issues and minimize the requirement for major corrective interventions in the future.