Accidentally biting the inside of your cheek is a common but painful experience. It can happen while chewing, speaking, or during contact sports. For patients with braces or Invisalign, the risk is even higher due to shifting teeth and hardware inside the mouth. While most cheek bites are minor, knowing proper first aid helps prevent infection, reduce discomfort, and promote faster healing. At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, we prioritize not just oral treatment but also helping you manage dental injuries at home.
What Happens When You Bite Your Cheek?
When you bite your cheek, it usually results in a soft tissue injury. This can range from a small puncture wound to a larger laceration or ulcer, depending on the force and frequency of biting. In some cases, a bitten cheek can swell and become more prone to repeated injuries creating a cycle of pain and inflammation that can persist without proper care.
Immediate First Aid for a Bitten Cheek
Acting quickly after a cheek bite can minimize pain and reduce the risk of complications. Here are the essential steps:
1. Clean the Area
Keeping the wound clean is the top priority. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (1 tsp salt in a glass of warm water) several times a day to kill bacteria and prevent infection.
2. Stop the Bleeding
If the bite is bleeding, apply gentle pressure to the area using a clean piece of gauze or a cotton pad. Most cheek bites stop bleeding within a few minutes.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
To reduce swelling and numb the pain, hold an ice pack against the outside of your cheek for 1015 minutes. You can also suck on ice chips if tolerated.
4. Avoid Irritating Foods
Spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods can aggravate the injury and slow healing. Stick to soft, bland foods until the wound heals.
5. Use an Oral Gel for Pain Relief
Over-the-counter oral gels containing benzocaine can help numb the area and reduce discomfort temporarily. Make sure the product is safe for the patients age, especially in children.
When Is a Bitten Cheek More Serious?
While many cheek injuries are minor, some situations require professional dental attention. Seek emergency dental care if you notice:
Deep cuts or lacerations that may need stitches
Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 15 minutes
Signs of infection such as swelling, pus, or fever
Pain that worsens instead of improving
Difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
At McLevin Dental Clinic, our team offers same-day emergency dental care in Scarborough to handle injuries like severe cheek bites, soft tissue trauma, and other urgent oral issues.
Bitten Cheek and Braces: A Common Combination
Orthodontic appliances like metal braces or ceramic braces often increase the chances of cheek biting especially during the early adjustment period. Wires or brackets may rub against the inner cheeks, causing irritation or cuts that worsen over time.
If you’re wearing braces and frequently biting your cheek, consider:
Using orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges
Asking your orthodontist to adjust or trim loose wires
Wearing a mouthguard at night if accidental biting happens during sleep
For Invisalign users, cheek biting is less common but can still occur during transitions between aligner sets.
How Long Does a Bitten Cheek Take to Heal?
Most minor cheek injuries heal within 3 to 7 days. Deeper wounds may take up to 2 weeks, especially if aggravated by repeated trauma or poor oral hygiene. To promote healing:
Brush gently and avoid the wound site
Rinse with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash regularly
Avoid talking while eating to prevent re-biting the area
Stay hydrated to support tissue regeneration
If the sore persists beyond two weeks, it could be a sign of repeated trauma or another underlying issue that needs evaluation.
Preventing Future Cheek Injuries
Prevention plays a big role in protecting the soft tissues of your mouth, especially if youre prone to biting your cheek. Heres how to reduce the chances:
Chew slowly and mindfully, especially when eating tough or chewy foods
Wear a custom dental mouthguard during sports or sleep
Get regular dental and orthodontic check-ups to ensure your bite is aligned properly
Use protective wax if you wear braces or appliances that cause irritation
If your bite is off due to missing teeth, dental crowding, or poorly fitting dental work, a consultation at McLevin Dental can help identify and correct the issue.
Why Choose McLevin Dental Clinic for Emergency Dental Care?
Located in Scarborough, McLevin Dental Clinic provides urgent care for oral injuries, including cheek bites, tongue cuts, and dental trauma. Our experienced dental professionals are equipped to treat soft tissue injuries and help prevent future complications. Whether it’s managing a bitten cheek or adjusting orthodontic appliances that cause irritation, we offer compassionate, fast, and expert care when you need it most.
Final Thoughts
A bitten cheek might seem minor, but without proper care, it can lead to pain, infection, and delayed healing. Knowing the correct first aid steps and recognizing when to seek professional help are essential. At McLevin Dental Clinic, were here to support you with expert guidance and prompt treatment for all dental emergencies in Scarborough.