Tongue biting in children and adults causes symptoms and treatment

Biting the tongue, whether in children or adults, is a common behavior that can be noticed daily. Sometimes, it is a normal response, but other times it may indicate an underlying issue that requires attention. Whether your child bites their tongue while playing, an infant frequently sticks out their tongue, or adults bite their tongue during stress or sleep, understanding the cause behind this habit helps you respond appropriately and minimize potential complications.In this Dalily Medical article, we will explore the main causes of tongue biting in children and adults, its types, symptoms, risks, diagnosis, and tips for management. We will also cover treatment options, including medications, exercises, surgery, and laser therapy, along with home remedies to relieve pain.

1️⃣ Difference Between Normal and Excessive Tongue Biting

Normal biting: Intermittent, painless, and does not affect eating or speech.
Excessive biting: Persistent, causes sores or pain, and may interfere with eating or speaking → requires medical evaluation.

2️⃣ Is Tongue Biting Related to Neurological Disorders?

Rarely, some neurological disorders or genetic syndromes may cause repeated or persistent tongue biting.
If biting persists with other symptoms → a comprehensive medical evaluation is necessary, especially for children.

3️⃣ Is Tongue Biting Normal in Children?

Yes, it is usually normal, particularly during early infancy or oral exploration.
However, if it is persistent or accompanied by injuries or difficulty breastfeeding → medical follow-up is needed.

4️⃣ Is Biting During Sleep Normal?

Sometimes it is normal in children and adults due to teething, teeth grinding, or nightmares.
If it is frequent or causes tongue injuries → medical consultation is necessary.

5️⃣ Is Tongue Biting Linked to Stress or Anxiety?

Yes, in older children or adults, it often appears due to psychological stress or daily pressure.
Relaxation exercises and habit modification can help reduce this problem.

1️⃣ Does Tongue Biting Affect Speech?

Usually not, especially if the biting is normal and temporary.
However, if associated with tongue-tie or oral abnormalities → it may affect pronunciation and require treatment.

2️⃣ When Should You See a Doctor?

Persistent sores or ulcers on the tongue.
Difficulty breastfeeding, eating, or speaking.
Continuous or excessive biting during sleep.
Oral infections or repeated bleeding.

3️⃣ Can Tongue Biting Be Treated with Exercises Alone?

Yes, most cases improve with exercises to strengthen the mouth and tongue muscles.
Some rare cases may require medication, surgery, or laser treatment depending on the cause.

4️⃣ Does Tongue Biting Affect Sleep Continuously?

In most cases, no.
But if caused by sleep disorders or teeth grinding → it may lead to frequent waking or disturbed sleep.

5️⃣ Can Tongue Biting in Infants Be a Sign of Hunger?

Yes, sometimes infants bite their tongue or move their mouth as a cue for breastfeeding, especially before 6 months of age.

6️⃣ Can Tongue Biting Be Due to Pain or Inflammation?

Yes, if the child or adult has sores, oral infections, or thrush, they may bite to relieve discomfort.

7️⃣ Is Tongue Biting Related to Age?

In infants, it usually appears as part of oral motor development.
In adults, it may occur due to stress, daily habits, or sleep disorders.

8️⃣ Does Excessive Biting Require Permanent Medical Intervention?

Most cases improve by strengthening muscles and modifying habits.
Medical intervention is only necessary if accompanied by persistent ulcers, difficulty eating or speaking, or structural oral issues.

1️⃣ Can Children or Adults Stop Biting Their Tongue on Their Own?

Yes, most cases improve as the child grows or adults adjust their habits.
Medical intervention is required only if the biting persists excessively or causes health problems.

2️⃣ Can Persistent Biting Lead to Complications?

Yes, in severe cases, it may cause:

Repeated sores and ulcers on the tongue.
Oral or gum infections.
Difficulty speaking or chewing in severe cases.

3️⃣ Can Treatment Combine Exercises, Medications, or Surgery?

Yes, depending on the cause:

Normal biting: Exercises + habit modification.
Biting due to tongue-tie or abnormalities: Exercises + surgery or laser.
Biting due to pain or thrush: Exercises + medications.

Causes of Tongue Biting in Children During Sleep

1️⃣ Teething in Infants:
Infants may bite their tongue or gums to relieve itchiness or discomfort.

2️⃣ Stress or Anxiety:
Psychological stress or anxiety during the day may appear at night as tongue biting.

3️⃣ Sleep Disorders:
Nightmares or sleep apnea may cause involuntary tongue chewing.

4️⃣ Mouth Breathing:
Nasal blockage or allergies may lead to tongue biting to adjust jaw and mouth position.

5️⃣ Neurological or Motor Issues:
Rarely, children with neurological disorders or genetic syndromes may display this behavior.

Causes of Tongue Chewing During Sleep in Adults

1️⃣ Psychological Stress:
Daytime stress or anxiety may manifest at night as tongue biting or mouth chewing.

2️⃣ Sleep Disorders:
Snoring or sleep apnea may cause abnormal tongue movements or chewing.

3️⃣ Bruxism (Teeth Grinding):
People who grind their teeth at night may chew their tongue unconsciously.

4️⃣ Oral or Jaw Abnormalities:
Such as tongue-tie, misaligned teeth, or jaw issues.

5️⃣ Medications or Health Conditions:
Certain medications, nocturnal movement disorders, or night seizures may trigger tongue chewing.

Symptoms of Tongue Biting in Children and Adults

Symptoms in Children:
1️⃣ Immediate symptoms during or after biting:

Tongue pain, small sores or ulcers, occasional minor bleeding.

2️⃣ Symptoms related to sleep or stress:

Tongue chewing or biting during sleep, crying or discomfort, difficulty sleeping, or night anxiety.

3️⃣ Symptoms related to breastfeeding or eating:

Difficulty breastfeeding or chewing, food refusal due to pain.

4️⃣ Advanced or Recurrent Symptoms

Persistent sores, infections, and delayed oral skills in young children.

Symptoms of Tongue Biting in Adults

1️⃣ Immediate symptoms during or after biting:

Pain or burning sensation in the tongue, small cuts or ulcers, occasional minor bleeding.

2️⃣ Symptoms related to sleep or stress:

Tongue biting during sleep or under high stress, mild headaches, or jaw discomfort.

3️⃣ Symptoms related to eating or speaking:

Temporary difficulty speaking if wounds are large, pain while chewing, or eating hot/spicy foods.

4️⃣ Recurrent or chronic symptoms:

Repeated sores or scars, recurring oral infections, and sleep disturbances if biting continues at night.

Types of Tongue Biting in Children and Adults

1️⃣ Types in Children

Accidental or spontaneous biting:

Occurs during play, crying, or breastfeeding.
Usually does not cause long-term problems.

Nighttime tongue biting:

Occurs during sleep due to:
- Teething in infants.
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares.
May cause minor tongue sores.

Biting due to stress or anxiety:

Seen in children experiencing psychological stress.
Can be persistent and lead to superficial wounds or pain.

Repetitive biting due to neurological disorders:

Rare cases caused by:
- Certain genetic syndromes.
- Nerve or motor problems.
May sometimes lead to recurrent injuries or chronic ulcers.

2️⃣ Types in Adults

Accidental or spontaneous biting:

Happens unintentionally while eating or speaking.
Usually temporary and does not require treatment.

Nocturnal tongue biting:

Often linked to:
- Teeth grinding (Bruxism).
- Sleep disorders like sleep apnea.
Can cause tongue sores and irritation.

Biting due to stress or anxiety:

Occurs in individuals under psychological stress or daily tension.
Can be chronic and cause recurrent tongue infections.

Biting linked to oral or structural problems:

Some cases occur due to:
- Tongue-tie (Ankyloglossia).
- Misaligned teeth or jaw issues.
Requires medical evaluation if biting is frequent and affects speech or eating.

Stages of Tongue Biting in Children and Adults

1️⃣ Children

Neonatal – Early breastfeeding stage (0–6 months):

Usually spontaneous or accidental during breastfeeding or crying.
Generally resolves as the child grows.

Oral exploration stage (6–24 months):

The child explores the mouth and tongue by biting or chewing.
Mild biting of toys or fingers is normal.

Stress or anxiety stage (after 2 years):

Some children bite during play or anger.
Persistent biting can cause superficial wounds or ulcers.

Sleep disturbances or nighttime spasms:

Biting during sleep due to nightmares or sleep disturbances.
May cause repeated injuries or minor pain.

2️⃣ Adults

Accidental stage:

Biting occurs unintentionally while eating or speaking.
Usually temporary and does not require treatment.

Psychological stress stage:

Appears under stress or anxiety.
Persistent biting may lead to repeated sores or oral infections.

Sleep disorder stage:

Biting during sleep due to teeth grinding (Bruxism) or sleep apnea.
Can cause repeated injuries, irritation, and jaw/tongue pain.

Structural or oral problems stage:

Repetitive biting due to tongue-tie or misaligned teeth/jaw.
Medical evaluation needed if it affects speech, eating, or causes persistent wounds.

Diagnosis of Tongue Biting in Children and Adults

1️⃣ Children

Clinical observation:

Observe the child during breastfeeding, play, or sleep.
Note sores or ulcers on the tongue.
Track frequency and duration to determine if evaluation is needed.

Medical and family history:

Ask about stress- or anxiety-related behaviors.
Check for congenital oral issues like tongue-tie.

Medical evaluation and physical examination:

Examine tongue, gums, teeth, and mouth for abnormalities or infections.
Rarely, neurological assessment or muscle development evaluation may be needed for repetitive or excessive biting.