Lip Biting – Is it a Concern?
Most people would be familiar with the unexpected and painful sensation of biting their lower or upper lip. Whilst it’s perfectly normal to experience this on occasion, those who repeatedly suffer from this issue should seek professional diagnosis and treatment. Repeatedly biting the lips can cause painful sores to develop, usually accompanied by swelling. Whilst there are a wide variety of potential causes for this problem, a misaligned bite (malocclusion) is one of the more common issues identified by dentists. Here’s why it is worth resolving your lip biting issue so that you can enjoy healthy, pain free lips all year round.
Common Reasons for Lip Biting
There are two common reasons for lip biting.
- Habitual – people may be unaware of the fact they are biting their lip, or seem to experience the issue only occasionally. People may be more prone to lip biting if they feel anxious or nervous, and it is important to address these conditions in the first instance. You may also wish to seek support from friends and family.
- Accidental – if you find yourself biting your lip on a frequent basis, a dental concern may be the cause. Malocclusion and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder are two common reasons behind this issue, so you should visit your dentist for an evaluation.
Why is Lip Biting a Concern?
Not only is lip biting a painful issue, it can also lead to issues which affect your oral health and general wellbeing. You may experience the following:
- Swelling
- Sores
- Rawness
- Cuts
- Bruising
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Infection
It is important to rule out the possibility of malocclusion or TMJ contributing to your lip biting and development of some of the above symptoms.
Minimising Lip Biting
There are a number of things you may like to try in order to reduce the incidence of lip biting. Whether accidental or due to nerves/anxiety, the following can all help in reducing the incidence of lip biting occurrences and maintaining healthy lips.
- Exfoliate and Moisturise – people with dry lips tend to chew and gnaw on them. With regular exfoliation and application of moisturiser or lip balm, you can enjoy healthy, hydrated and supple lips which will reduce your desire to chew or bite them.
- Be Mindful – mindfulness is a popular practice which encourages indviduals to be aware of their environment and actions. Take a deep breath, and identify any triggers which may be behind your lip biting. A slower pace of breathing and being mindful will help to relieve stress, and in time your issue may become a thing of the past.
- Behavioural Therapy – if you have difficulty managing stress or understanding root causes and triggers, a behavioural therapist can help you find a clear path forward and address any subconscious behaviours contributing to lip biting.
Worried about Lip Biting? Book a Dental Appointment Today
Lip biting is a common habit which can have adverse consequences for your oral health. Seeking early treatment is important, and the team at Sydney Park Dental can perform a thorough examination to determine whether malocclusion or TMJ may be contributing to your issue. Our dentists will tailor a personalised treatment plan to help you break this habit for good, so that you can enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
Contact Sydney Park Dental today to book an appointment with one of our dentists.