Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The OPTISMILE Podcast 58 - Parafunctional Habits - Cheek & Lip Biting
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The OPTISMILE Podcast 58 - Parafunctional Habits - Cheek & Lip Biting
00:46 Why do people do this and how does it matter for your dental health?
Answer: Stress, anxiety or concentration triggers unconscious cheek/lip chewing, causing tissue damage and bite alterations.
02:43 Surely it creates a lot of damage if you’re chronically biting the soft tissues within your mouth?
Answer: Chronic chewing leads to frictional keratosis, callus formation, inflammation and may affect how your teeth meet.
03:55 And these habits, Dr Yudelman, can they actually affect your bite or lead to jaw alignment issues over time?
Answer: Yes; such habits can shift tooth position and alter jaw rest position, placing strain on the TMJ.
05:33 Are these habits mostly daytime or do people do them while they’re sleeping?
Answer: Both: daytime due to stress/concentration, nighttime often linked to bruxism and grinding.
06:42 Can cheek or lip biting actually cause or worsen headaches, facial pain or TMJ problems?
Answer: Microtrauma overworks facial and jaw muscles, leading to tension headaches and TMJ strain.
07:35 This is more common in people with stress or anxiety, much like nail biting. Is that correct?
Answer: Yes; cheek and lip biting is a stress-related coping mechanism, similar to nail biting.
08:15 Are there any warning signs that someone is biting their cheeks or lips subconsciously?
Answer: Look for linea alba (white lines), calluses, chronic ulcers or thickened cheek/lip tissue.
09:24 How do you treat or help someone with a long-term habit like this?
Answer: Assess and correct bite (e.g., Invisalign), employ stress management, mindfulness and night guards.
10:51 Can cheek or lip biting lead to more serious oral issues like infections or lesions?
Answer: Severe cases may yield recurrent ulcers, fibromas and complicate diagnosis of lesions like oral cancer.
12:07 For those who’ve realised they’re biting their cheeks or lips, do you have any final advice?
Answer: Seek dental evaluation, address alignment issues, identify stress triggers and practise awareness to break the habit.
For more in-depth information on each of these topics—including causes, symptoms and professional treatment strategies—please see our references below.
Understanding Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
https://optismile.co.za/blog/understanding-bruxism-tmj/
What is TMJ and How is it Treated?
https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/
Relief and Recovery: Managing Bruxism and TMJ Disorder
https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/
How to Deal with Teeth Grinding
https://optismile.co.za/blog/deal-teeth-grinding/
Your Guide to Common Dental Emergencies
https://optismile.co.za/blog/common-dental-emergencies/
Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town
Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile
Follow OptiSmile on Facebook
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.
View all episodes
By Entertainment Radio South Africa00:46 Why do people do this and how does it matter for your dental health?
Answer: Stress, anxiety or concentration triggers unconscious cheek/lip chewing, causing tissue damage and bite alterations.
02:43 Surely it creates a lot of damage if you’re chronically biting the soft tissues within your mouth?
Answer: Chronic chewing leads to frictional keratosis, callus formation, inflammation and may affect how your teeth meet.
03:55 And these habits, Dr Yudelman, can they actually affect your bite or lead to jaw alignment issues over time?
Answer: Yes; such habits can shift tooth position and alter jaw rest position, placing strain on the TMJ.
05:33 Are these habits mostly daytime or do people do them while they’re sleeping?
Answer: Both: daytime due to stress/concentration, nighttime often linked to bruxism and grinding.
06:42 Can cheek or lip biting actually cause or worsen headaches, facial pain or TMJ problems?
Answer: Microtrauma overworks facial and jaw muscles, leading to tension headaches and TMJ strain.
07:35 This is more common in people with stress or anxiety, much like nail biting. Is that correct?
Answer: Yes; cheek and lip biting is a stress-related coping mechanism, similar to nail biting.
08:15 Are there any warning signs that someone is biting their cheeks or lips subconsciously?
Answer: Look for linea alba (white lines), calluses, chronic ulcers or thickened cheek/lip tissue.
09:24 How do you treat or help someone with a long-term habit like this?
Answer: Assess and correct bite (e.g., Invisalign), employ stress management, mindfulness and night guards.
10:51 Can cheek or lip biting lead to more serious oral issues like infections or lesions?
Answer: Severe cases may yield recurrent ulcers, fibromas and complicate diagnosis of lesions like oral cancer.
12:07 For those who’ve realised they’re biting their cheeks or lips, do you have any final advice?
Answer: Seek dental evaluation, address alignment issues, identify stress triggers and practise awareness to break the habit.
For more in-depth information on each of these topics—including causes, symptoms and professional treatment strategies—please see our references below.
Understanding Bruxism and TMJ Disorders
https://optismile.co.za/blog/understanding-bruxism-tmj/
What is TMJ and How is it Treated?
https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-is-tmj-and-how-is-it-treated/
Relief and Recovery: Managing Bruxism and TMJ Disorder
https://optismile.co.za/blog/relief-and-recovery-managing-bruxism-and-tmj-disorder/
How to Deal with Teeth Grinding
https://optismile.co.za/blog/deal-teeth-grinding/
Your Guide to Common Dental Emergencies
https://optismile.co.za/blog/common-dental-emergencies/
Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town
Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile
Follow OptiSmile on Facebook
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, "Save Your Money Save Your Teeth" on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.