Nasty (tiny) stress habit is it harmfull? Mouthrelated!

[Livgivare]

When I get scared/affraid or stressed out I at times instantly start to bite my inner side of the mouth. I get large areas were I get open wounds and constanty bite on those too for even whole weeks at a time. I get very stubborn and bite even more and even once or twice I've bitten down to my nerve (the one that the dentist put the needle in to be able to numb the area for action) and got a sevear ache there. I've done it since early teens.

Is this really health-harmfull? How do you stop it? Is it like cutting yourself with razorblades on your arms? If there is other questions I could have that you have the answer to please answer them too.

I've never seen myself as those girls who cut themselves with razorblades and live very introverted lifes. And I know habits are there as a sort of comfortzone at times.

So is there a dentist in at the forum? Can someone who knows about healthmatters really really tell me what happens in my body when I do this. I've heard about people who bites their lip or inner side of the mouth and then stop, just to be able to not scream. But am I a person like that or worse?

Few knows about this habit, just my parents and boyfriend but they can't tell me anything and only my dad seems to be worried at a level that it comes really from heart. My mom don't care and my boyfriend focuses on other habits that I have.

Love Leelene

[Zukin]

Hi Leelene,

I am not a dentist, but my doctor (Dr. Google) informs me that some problems can result from chewing the inside of the cheek, like canker sores and leukoplasia.

This page describes some of the problems, but don't go to it unless you don't mind seeing pictures of mouth ulcers:
http://www.ada.org/public/topics/mouth_sores.asp

Dentists say that cheek biting is a harmful habit:
http://www.mothernature.com/Library/...ooks/16/39.cfm

To stop biting your cheek, you may want to replace cheek biting with another form of stress relief, like squeezing a ball or chewing lots of gum.

[The David]

I pick my lower lip a lot when I'm tense (which is always). It isn't the best, but biting the inside of your mouth is a lot worse because it doesn't heal as quickly. Believe me. I am a chronic gum-chewer and ulcers are always popping up.

[Megan]

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) worked really well for this and other 'minor' forums of self-injury for me (like cuticle injury). I have a history of childhood abuse, to which I attribute my stress habits, and EFT can be used on any issue.

This site has a free manual you can download and a free newsletter you can subscribe to, and you can use Emotional Freedom Technique on yourself. It's very simple, and it worked for me!

EFT Provides Impressive Health and Emotional Freedom--New Discovery Often Works Where Nothing Else

It feels so much better not to go around feeling ouchy (and embarrassed) from all that stuff!

Best wishes,

Megan

[Shamou]

I agree with Zukin... gum chewing is your best immediate solution...

One of the first effect of stress is a demand for action... and, gum chewing can satisfy that demand... plus, you can't chew gum and bite your mouth at the same time...

There are effective solutions for your problem... but they would require time... and gum chewing can be the temporary solution that you need while something else takes effect...

The very best of luck to you...
.

[Livgivare]

Got the chewing gum today and even if I am not a huge lover of chewing gum I think I can manage it, they taste good and I got something to bite on. Stress will eventually go down I guess. It is horrible, but I hope to stop it...

Love Leelene

[angelairene]

Ask yourself why your comfort zone is to inflict pain and do damage. Why the mouth? Is there something you want to say but wont, or something you do say that you hate?
The real danger lies in leaving your emotions unchecked. The usual attitude about this might be to avoid thinking what ever it is that sets you off, but in trying to avoid it, it only becomes worse.
When ever you catch yourself doing it, ask the question.. What was I thinking about, but go deep. Beyond thinking "this line sure is long" you will find another thread of thought. That silent one that is trying to get your attention.
Peace
Angie