CDCA North East Regional Board (NERB) Practice Exam

Cheek biting is often associated with the position of the teeth during occlusion, particularly when the upper and lower teeth do not align appropriately. In the case of an end-to-end bite, the upper and lower teeth meet directly without any overlap, which can lead to the insides of the cheeks being inadvertently bitten during movement such as chewing or speaking. This lack of overlap means that there are fewer protective measures against the movement of the cheeks, making it more likely that they will be pinched between the opposing teeth. Other occlusal relationships, like Class I occlusion or Class II occlusion, typically provide a better vertical dimension that protects the soft tissues of the cheeks. In a crossbite scenario, while there can be issues with alignment and biting, the potential for cheek biting is less pronounced compared to an end-to-end bite. Understanding the mechanics of how different occlusions affect the positioning of the teeth and the surrounding soft tissues provides insight into why cheek biting prevalence is higher in those with an end-to-end occlusion.