Abstract
Lip-biting is a common oral habit that has been observed in both children and adults. It can be classified into habitual, compulsive, and accidental. Chronic lip-biting is associated with various lesions, such as ulcers and mucoceles. It can be caused by psychological or somatic conditions. Repeated lip-biting results in a chronically traumatized area that may be scarred, thickened, and paler than the surrounding mucosa. Previous studies have focused on the treatment of lesions caused by lip-biting habits rather than lip-biting itself. This review aims to discuss clinical patterns of chronic lip-biting habits and their treatment outcomes. Chronic or habitual lip-biting has been mostly found as a habit that was acquired during childhood and exacerbated in stressful situations. It was also found in patients with depression who weren't even aware of it. These cases present with oral lesions that cannot be healed due to chronic lip-biting habits. Accidental lip-biting mainly occurs following dental procedures as a result of anesthesia. Treatment of chronic lip-biting includes encouragement and counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and functional oral appliances. Future studies should highlight the importance of management of chronic lip-biting habits before the development of oral lesions, as this will improve the quality of life of these cases and reduce their burden. http://dx.doi.org/10.52533/JOHS.2025.51113 1 Department of Family Dentistry, Al Thager Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 2
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