Cheek Bites: Three Quick and Easy Home Remedies

Have you ever bitten the inside of your cheek? If so, you know just how painful cheek bites can be.

A cheek bite might not be the most serious of injuries. But it sure does hurt! And they can actually cause some complications if not treated properly.

So what do you do after the pain has passed and your eyes have stopped watering? Here are a few home remedies for cheek bites.

Soothe Cheek Bite Pain with Ice

A cheek bite can hurt for days after you actually bit the inside of your cheek.

One way to ease the throbbing ache of a cheek bite is with ice. Place a small piece of ice in your mouth, and use your tongue to hold the ice directly against the bite wound. This will help numb the area and easy the pain. It will also help relieve any inflammation.

Try a Pain Reliever

If your cheek bite really hurts, or you're having trouble eating because of the pain it's causing, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Brush To Keep a Cheek Bite from Getting Infected

The last thing you want is for a relatively minor injury like a cheek bite to turn into a major one. But that's exactly what will happen if your cheek bite gets infected.

One way to prevent this is by brushing your teeth and your tongue as soon as you can after you bite your cheek. This will help get rid of some of the germs and bacteria that could cause your cheek bite to get infected.

After brushing, rinse thoroughly with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Should You See a Doctor For a Cheek Bite?

Going to the doctor for something as minor as a cheek bite seems almost silly. But there are some cases when you might just have to.

If the cheek bite won't stop bleeding, see a doctor. Sometimes, a cheek bite can be so severe that you might actually need stitches.

You should also see a doctor if you think your cheek bite is infected.

Does your cheek bite feel hot and inflamed, even several days after you bit the inside of your cheek? Is a pus-like substance oozing from the wound? Does your cheek bite seem to be healing too slowly? If you answered yes to any of the above, consider seeing a doctor.

As injuries go, a cheek bite is a relatively minor one. And, as long as you treat a cheek bite properly, you can keep it that way.