How to stop cheek biting

[Catlover2503]

For the last few years, I've noticed I've started to bite my cheeks when I get anxious. Even though I know its hurting and causing my mouth to bleed sometimes, it almost feels itchy and I have the urge to bite. This is causing serious issues with my mouth - its so so sore and making me really miserable but I can't seem to stop it. I do it every few months and the pain is horrendous and then it goes away only to flare up again in the next few months. Does anyone have any techniques that could help stop this??? I've tried gum but that only works temporarily.

[Paxiled]

Are you saying you bite your cheeks like someone bites their fingernails, or are you saying you bite your cheeks accidentally?  You say you do it when they get itchy -- do you notice when this happens there are already sores on them?  Just wondering if this is canker sores, which are often caused by ingredients in synthetic toothpastes, or you're just doing this for no reason at all.

[specialmom]

Ugh.  And one thing that happens to me if I bite the side of my cheek is that it happens easily after that.  It puffs out or something and then seems to want to settle between my teeth!  Been there.  It hurts though.  I think I would go for a switching behavior.  Similar to the strategy used of a hand fidget.  If something oral like chewing gun doesn't do it, then what about something in your hands?  Do you see a therapist?  CBT therapy may help.  Working on the root cause of your anxiety is a good thing to ultimately work on as well.   I have read about gum chewing but also what about taking a big deep breath when you have the urge to chew? Here's an article on this very thing.  https://www.healthline.com/health/cheek-biting  But ultimately, you want to get at the root cause for why.  Hang in there.