Daughter Is Biting Lips and Cheeks

My daughter twirls her hair and I have no idea where she picked up the habit except from me. I've always twirled my hair and at 32 I still do. I'll twirl it when I'm tired, bored, stressed or just in thought and contemplating something. I don't do this all the time and most of my friends probably have never seen me do it but everyone in my family has just accepted that it's one of my things.

The biting lips and cheeks, I do that one also. I remember after getting cavities filled when I was a kid my mom would have to sit with me while the numbness went away to make sure I didn't chew my cheeks. I have no idea why I do this but I think it's more of a nervous habit. I doubt your daughter is in any pain and she's not trying to inflict any pain on herself. I know that's the case for me. If you're really worried about this one though talk to her dentist. I know my dentist has put in my chart notes about chewing my cheeks and has told me that if it gets serious and appears to be doing damage that he can give me something to stop it.

Like I said, I started these things when I was very young and I've never stopped. We all have our little quirks and habits, she might grow out it and she might not. As long as she's not doing any harm to herself or others I'd leave it alone.

I have done this since I was a kid as well.. For me it is when I am really anxious or upset about something. I seriously have bitten big holes in my lip before... Then it swells up really bad and every time it happens I say I am not doing that again.. well 25 yrs later.. I still do it. I always have a bottle of numbing stuff in my medicine cabinet b/c after one of my nervous spells.. it hurts for several days later... I dont think there is much you can do about it.. I am old enough to know better but I do it without even realizing it... My doctor hasnt seemed worried about it.. I would stop her if you see it.. but dont stress.. :)

Wow I thought I was the only one in the world who bit their lips and cheeks. I have had this habit since I was little, little (along with the nail biting) I've actually gone a few steps further than some of the other responders- I've seen a dr. about it. I became his guinea pig with meds to help me stop. Unfortunately, none of the stuff he tried on me worked- I never was able to break the habit. He did tell me that it is an anxiety thing (even though I don't feel anxious)and that's my mechanism to calm myself down-subconsciously. I do notice, however, that if I have any kind of caffeine it gets worse. Don't know how old your daughter is, but if she's old enough to have caffeine, you might limit her a bit. Good Luck but please don't be discouraged if you can't get her to stop- I'm still trying after 34 years!

Hi Y.. I have always heard that hair twirling and lip biting is a nervous habit. I don't think it's a big deal but to say she will grow out of it could happen and may not. I still bite my nails and always have. I get my nails done (solar) and when they are done I leave them alone. But my natural nails--once they get to the tips of my fingers--I chew them all down. GOod Luck!