Some people bite their nails when they are nervous, others bite their lip or cheeks. However, be careful of biting the insides of your mouth whether on purpose or accidentally because it could lead to health problems, such as mouth lesions that could develop cancer! See what NYC-based dentist Dr. Conelly says about this habit and how to stop.

Cheek biting could happen as a compulsive action without you even realizing you’re doing it, or it could happen if you try to talk with food in your mouth or if you’re teeth are unaligned. “Biting one’s cheeks often leaves sores, which can be dangerous if they get infected,” the dentist says, “Any chronic mouth lesion could develop cancer over the long term, but the research and final word are spotty.”

Although it sounds very serious that it could cause cancer, it hasn’t been scientifically proven that people who bite their cheeks are more likely to get cancer, and infections only occur in extreme cases. So don’t fret if you have this habit! However, to be on the safe side, you should probably get rid of the habit, if you have it.

Dr. Connelly’s solution is to “try chewing sugarless gum to keep your mouth busy. Or if you are a lip biter, opt for a flavored lip balm or gloss. The taste will make you aware every time you chomp down.”

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