Lip biting can cause problems with your teeth and mouth, including bleeding gums, tooth decay and gum disease. It’s not just a teenage problem – it can happen to anyone.

Are you aware that lip biting can cause damage to your mouth and teeth? Lip biting is a habit that many young children and adults get into. It can lead to dental problems like:

• Bleeding gums and gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Loose teeth
• Chipped teeth
• A damaged bite (misaligned teeth)

If you’ve noticed that you’ve been biting your lips and chewing your own nails you can stop this habit by learning how to control your urge to do it.

Signs of lip biting

If you’re not sure if you’re a lip biter, then here are some signs of lip biting:

• You seem to chew your fingernails
• Your mouth shows signs of being worn down
• You seem to have a missing tooth
• Teeth that look yellow or discoloured
• Teeth that look worn down

If you’re feeling worried about your lips biting habit, you might want to talk to your dentist. They can help you find ways to stop lip biting.

How can you stop lip biting?

There are a few ways to stop lip biting:

• Learn to control your urge to bite your lips
• Practise good oral hygiene habits
• Eat and drink healthy food and drink
• Have regular dental visits
• Talk to your dentist about the best ways to stop lip biting

Make sure you brush your teeth twice a day, floss and use fluoride toothpaste. You can also use a mouthguard to stop lip biting.

What should you do if you’re worried about your teeth and mouth?

It’s normal to feel anxious about your teeth and mouth. It’s a good idea to talk to your dentist about your worries. A professional consultation can help you identify the cause of your dental anxiety. It could be a symptom of other medical conditions or be a sign of something more serious.

How much does it cost to fix a lip bite?

The cost of fixing a lip bite will depend on the extent of damage to your teeth and gums. Talk to your dentist about what treatment options are available and their costs.