Prevention of habitual cheek biting: a case report

Oral and peri-oral structures can be traumatized by self-injurious behavior (SIB). Various articles have described prostheses used to prevent SIB-related injuries to the oral tissues of patients who have developmental or medical problems, such as psychological problems, congenital syndromes or mental retardation; however, reports of oral SIB in individuals unaffected by the above conditions are scarce. This case report describes the use of a removable prosthesis to prevent a stress-induced cheek biting habit in 15-year-old girl who did not have any of the commonly related conditions. The report discusses the importance of designing a prosthesis that protects tissues, while considering injury severity and the patient's healthas well as her ability to cooperate with treatment.