Chronic cheek biting and chewing, scientifically known as Morsicatio Buccarum is considered to be a body-focused repetitive behaviour, similar to hair pulling (Trichotillomania) and skin picking (Excoriation). It corresponds with anxiety-related problems.
Although self-injurious, chronic cheek biting and cheek chewing are compulsive and may feel almost normal to the person biting and chewing the inside of their own cheek.
What are the dangers of cheek biting?
The primary consequence of biting the inside of the cheek over and over again is injury to your mouth tissue. That damage can lead to greater injury such as mouth sores and ulcers.
Some cheek biters have a “favourite” portion of the inner cheek, causing them to concentrate their biting and chewing on one area. This can result in a patch of skin that is raw and feels jagged. The broken skin can trigger an added compulsion to smooth the damaged area, creating a cycle of continuing or worsening injury.
Here you can listen to a small sample of this recording. Running time 30.15 mins.
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