How to Stop Biting Cheek When Eating: Tips and Techniques

Introduction

Cheek biting is a common problem that many people experience when they are eating. It can be an embarrassing habit and can also lead to pain and discomfort in the mouth. The good news is that there are several strategies that can help you stop this behavior. In this article, we will explore some tips and techniques on how to stop biting cheek when eating.

Chew Slower and with More Awareness

One of the best ways to prevent biting your cheeks while eating is to make sure that you are taking your time and chewing your food slowly. Chewing slower allows you to savor the flavor of your food and enjoy it more. It also gives your body time to process the food and signals to your brain that you are full. This can help you eat less and prevent overeating.

To help you slow down your chewing, try counting each bite or setting a timer for yourself. You can also try using a smaller fork or spoon to encourage smaller bites. Taking breaks between bites can also help you slow down and savor your food.

Drink Plenty of Water While Eating

Drinking plenty of water during meals can also help you to avoid biting your cheeks. Water helps to lubricate the mouth and throat, making it easier to swallow food. It can also help to flush away any food particles that may have become stuck in the teeth or gums, which could otherwise cause irritation and lead to biting.

Try to drink at least 8 ounces of water with each meal. You can also add flavor to your water by adding slices of lemon or lime, or by infusing it with herbs and spices. If you don’t like plain water, try adding a splash of juice or unsweetened tea for a refreshing and hydrating beverage.

Avoid Sticky, Crunchy, or Chewy Foods

Certain types of foods can be more difficult to chew and swallow and can increase the chances of biting your cheeks. Sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods can be particularly challenging, as they tend to get stuck in the teeth or require more effort to chew. Examples of these types of foods include candy, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, and jerky.

If these types of foods are a part of your diet, try to avoid them when possible. You can also try cutting them into smaller pieces or soaking them in water to make them easier to chew. Alternatively, you can replace them with softer foods such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or yogurt.

Avoid Multitasking While Eating

Multitasking while eating can also lead to biting your cheeks. When you are distracted by other activities, such as watching television or scrolling through social media, you tend to forget about the food in your mouth and may be more likely to bite your cheeks. To avoid this, try to focus solely on the task of eating.

Turn off the television or put away your phone during meals. You can also try reading a book or magazine instead of engaging in other activities. If you find yourself getting bored, try talking to someone else or listening to music instead.

Distract Yourself with a Different Activity While Eating

Another way to prevent biting your cheeks while eating is to distract yourself with a different activity. This can help to take your mind off of the food and reduce the urge to bite. Activities such as knitting, drawing, playing a game, or solving a puzzle can be great distractions while you are eating.

The key is to find something that engages your mind and keeps you focused. It should be something that is enjoyable and doesn’t require too much effort. This will help to keep your mind off of the food and reduce the chances of biting your cheeks.

Practice Mindful Eating Techniques

Mindful eating is a technique that can help to reduce the urge to bite your cheeks while eating. It involves paying attention to your body’s hunger cues and being aware of how the food tastes and smells. This can help to reduce the urge to bite because it requires you to focus on the present moment and be mindful of your actions.

To practice mindful eating, take small bites and chew slowly. Pay attention to the texture and flavor of the food and savor each bite. Pause between bites and ask yourself if you are still hungry or if you are full. This can help to reduce overeating and prevent biting your cheeks.

Use Tongue Exercises to Strengthen Muscles in the Mouth

Strengthening the muscles in the mouth can also help to reduce the urge to bite your cheeks. Tongue exercises can help to improve muscle control and coordination in the mouth, which can make it easier to swallow food without biting. Examples of tongue exercises include sticking out the tongue and moving it in circles, or holding it against the roof of the mouth for 10-20 seconds.

These exercises can help to strengthen the muscles in the mouth, which can make chewing and swallowing food easier. They can also help to improve coordination, which can reduce the urge to bite your cheeks.

Conclusion

Biting your cheeks while eating can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable habit. The good news is that there are several strategies that can help to prevent this behavior. These include chewing slower and with more awareness, drinking plenty of water while eating, avoiding sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods, avoiding multitasking while eating, practicing mindful eating techniques, and using tongue exercises to strengthen the muscles in the mouth.

By following these tips and techniques, you can reduce the urge to bite your cheeks while eating and enjoy your meals without worry.