What are the Causes of Cheek Biting in Complete Dentures?

Wearing complete dentures can have a profound impact on your daily life. Designed to restore your smile and enable you to chew comfortably, dentures often come with their own set of challenges. One particularly troublesome issue that many denture wearers face is cheek biting. This problem can cause significant discomfort, pain, and even sores, impacting your confidence and daily routines. Identifying the underlying causes of cheek biting in complete dentures is essential for finding effective solutions.

Cheek Biting in Complete Dentures

Cheek biting occurs when the inner part of the cheeks comes into contact with the dentures during normal activities like chewing or speaking. This can lead to sore spots, irritation, and even ulcers. Understanding the causes of cheek biting in complete dentures is crucial for finding effective solutions.

Symptoms of Cheek Biting

Identifying the symptoms of cheek biting is crucial for prompt treatment. Common indicators include:

• Pain or tenderness inside the cheek
• Development of sores or ulcers
• Trouble with eating or speaking
• Frequent adjustments of dentures

Causes of Cheek Biting in Complete Dentures

1. Ill-Fitting Dentures

A primary cause of cheek biting is dentures that do not fit well. When dentures are not properly aligned with your gums, they can shift out of place during normal activities. This movement can cause the dentures to press against the inside of your cheeks, resulting in irritation and cheek biting.

2. Suboptimal Denture Design

Dentures’ design has a major impact on their efficacy. When worn, dentures with an abnormal bite or occlusion—the misalignment of the upper and lower teeth—may press up on the cheeks. This design fault might be uncomfortable and raise the possibility of cheek biting.

3. Changes in Oral Structure

Over time, your oral tissues may change due to the effects of wearing dentures. For example, the bone and gum tissues might shrink or alter, which can impact how well your dentures fit. These changes can create gaps or misalignments that make cheek biting more likely.

4. Insufficient Denture Adhesive

Denture adhesives are essential for keeping dentures securely in place. However, if the adhesive is used incorrectly or is not strong enough, it may fail to hold the dentures properly. This can lead to denture movement, which can cause the dentures to rub against the cheeks and result in cheek biting.

5. Altered Chewing Patterns

Adjusting to new dentures can sometimes change the way you chew. You might bite with more force or chew differently as you get used to the dentures, which can inadvertently cause the dentures to press against your cheeks and lead to cheek biting.

6. Inadequate Denture Maintenance

Plaque and other deposits may accumulate if regular denture care is neglected. This may aggravate your oral mucosa and gums, making you more prone to biting your cheeks. It is important to do routine dental cleaning and maintenance to avoid such problems.

7. Excessive Salivation

Some people experience increased salivation when wearing dentures, which can affect their stability and fit. This excess saliva can make the dentures shift more easily, leading to friction with the cheeks and potential cheek biting.

How to Prevent Cheek Biting in Complete Dentures?

Managing cheek biting in complete dentures requires a multifaceted approach to ensure comfort and proper fit. Here are several key strategies to consider:

1. Schedule Regular Dental Check-ups

It’s essential to arrange for routine dental examinations in order to preserve the best possible fit and functionality of your dentures. During these consultations, your dentist can evaluate how well your dentures fit, make any required modifications, and take care of any problems before they become a problem. Frequent adjustments help to maintain a snug and comfortable fit by preventing cheek biting and denture movement.

2. Consider Relining or Rebasing

Relining or rebasing your dentures can greatly improve fit if they have become loose over time as a result of changes in your oral tissues or bone structure. Relining entails putting a fresh layer of material at the dentures’ base so that they more closely match your mouth’s curves. Rebasing, on the other hand, keeps the existing teeth while replacing the dentures’ complete base. Both techniques lessen the chance of cheek biting and aid in restoring appropriate fit.

3. Utilize Denture Adhesives

Denture adhesives can be a valuable tool in creating a secure fit for your dentures. By applying a high-quality adhesive, you can enhance the stability of your dentures, reducing movement and minimizing the chances of cheek biting. It’s important to use the adhesive correctly and in the recommended amount to achieve the best results.

4. Apply Soft Tissue Conditioning

Soft tissue conditioning materials can be used to alleviate discomfort and irritation caused by cheek biting. These materials are applied to the inside of the denture and help to cushion the contact points, reducing the pressure on your oral tissues.This can assist to stop additional irritation and offer instant relief.

5. Adjust Chewing Habits

Being mindful of your chewing habits is crucial for preventing cheek biting. Avoid biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, as excessive force can increase the risk of irritation and discomfort. Opt for softer foods initially and gradually introduce more challenging textures as you become accustomed to your dentures.

6. Manage Stress Effectively

Tension and stress can aggravate the jaw muscles, causing denture movement and cheek biting. Progressive muscular relaxation and deep breathing exercises are two examples of relaxation practices that can assist ease tension in the muscles and enhance denture comfort.

7. Practice Tongue Exercises 

Certain tongue exercises can enhance tongue placement and help distribute pressure more evenly across your dentures. By strengthening and improving the coordination of your tongue muscles, you can reduce the pressure exerted on your dentures and minimize the risk of cheek biting. Consult with your dentist for specific exercises that may be beneficial for your situation.

When Should You Visit Dentist In Medicine Hat, AB

If you continue to experience cheek biting despite trying home remedies, it is essential to consult with your dentist. They are able to assess the circumstance, determine the root reason, and suggest suitable courses of action. In some cases, a new denture may be necessary to address the problem effectively.

Conclusion

Complete denture-induced cheek biting can be an annoying problem, but it can be controlled and avoided with the appropriate treatment. Your comfort and quality of life can be greatly enhanced by being aware of the common reasons and taking preventative action. Recall that keeping your dentures healthy and functioning properly requires routine dental exams and expert advice. For professional treatment and remedies if you are biting your cheeks frequently, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Park Meadows Dental.

Schedule Your Appointment with Park Meadows Dental Today!

Are you having trouble with your entire dentures causing you to bite your cheeks? Don’t bear the pain alone. To arrange a consultation, get in touch with Park Meadows Dental right now. Our skilled dentists can evaluate your condition and offer practical remedies that can help you feel more at ease and confident again.

FAQs

What are the common complaints of complete denture wearers?

Patients may express concerns about their dentures, such as poor retention and stability, discomfort or pain, food accumulation beneath the denture, changes in speech, difficulty chewing, unsatisfactory appearance, and a tendency to gag.

Why do I bite my own cheek?

This symptom could arise from misalignment of the teeth or implants within the mouth. Individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are also prone to frequent cheek biting. Additionally, chronic cheek biting might indicate a body-focused repetitive behavior. In some cases, cheek biting can even occur during sleep.

What triggers cheek biting?

• Unintentional Cheek Biting: Biting the inside of your cheek can sometimes occur due to accidental actions such as eating too quickly, speaking while chewing, or sudden impacts like accidents or altercations.
• Stress-Related Cheek Biting: Just as some people bite their nails in response to stress, anxiety, or depression, others may find themselves unconsciously biting their inner cheeks as a coping mechanism. This habitual action can be a physical manifestation of emotional tension or nervousness.