Tongue Nibbling Causes: Diagnosis and Solutions Explored
It's a bummer when you catch yourself biting your tongue, right? Usually, it happens when we're eating fast, sleeping, or playing a contact sport. But if it becomes a regular occurrence, it can turn into a chronic issue that's painful and potentially harmful.
So, what's the deal with those who bite their tongues frequently while others only nibble occasionally? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of this vexing question and look at some ways to sidestep this pesky problem.
When Tongue Biting is Normal
Before you freak out about the bit of tissue you just took off, it's important to know that biting your tongue is nothing to worry about most of the time. It's a common part of life, and we all experience it occasionally. However, if you notice a pattern of frequent tongue biting, you may want to take a closer look at what's going on.
Chronic Tongue Biting Causes
Regular tongue biting can lead to infections, ulcers, or indentations in the side of the tongue known as "scalloping." While scalloping isn't harmful in itself, it can lead to more serious conditions.
Sleep bruxism, a disorder that causes excess grinding and clenching of the teeth while sleeping, is a common cause of tongue biting. Wearing a night guard can help keep your tongue safe from your teeth.
Those who bite their tongues in their sleep might be experiencing facial muscle spasms, known as faciomandibular myoclonus. This condition is most common in children but can happen to adults as well.
Illicit drug use, such as MDMA (molly or ecstasy), can also lead to tongue biting. These chemicals are dangerous and can be the culprit behind your tongue biting.
Certain neurological disorders and sleep disorders can cause regular tongue biting. If you haven't been diagnosed with a condition that would cause this behavior and none of the above tongue-biting causes sound applicable, talk to your healthcare provider.
Fixing Tongue Biting Behaviors
A tongue injury will usually heal on its own. However, if you're biting your tongue frequently, it's essential to figure out what's causing it so you can stop it from happening again. The treatment for tongue-biting depends on the reason you're doing it to begin with.
If you don't think you need medical attention yet, try the following strategies:
- Wear a night guard when you sleep or during non-eating activities in which you normally catch yourself biting.
- Practice stress-reduction activities like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to help manage anxiety and stress, and reduce biting symptoms.
- Quit using illicit drugs as these substances are dangerous and might be to blame for your tongue biting.
Pay attention to what you're doing when you bite your tongue. Keep a record of those activities, where you're at, and who you're with. You might be able to figure out what triggers the unwanted behavior and prevent it in the future.
Conclusion
Tongue biting is an unpleasant experience we all encounter from time to time. However, when it happens frequently, it's crucial that you address the issue to prevent harmful effects. These are the most common reasons people bite their tongues and some solutions to help. If your biting continues, talk to your doctor to find out if there's an underlying reason.
The repeated biting of the tongue could potentially be linked to health-and-wellness issues, particularly mental health, as prolonged stress and anxiety might lead to such behaviors. Furthermore, certain neurological disorders or sleep disorders might also cause chronic tongue biting, necessitating a consultation with a healthcare provider.
