How to Stop Biting Your Tongue While Sleeping

Biting your tongue in your sleep can be painful and frustrating. It often leads to small cuts, swelling, and soreness the next morning.

But why does this happen, and how can you stop it?

What Is Tongue Biting During Sleep?

Tongue biting while sleeping is a common issue where the tongue is unintentionally caught between the teeth during rest.

It can lead to cuts, sores, swelling, or pain upon waking. While occasional incidents may be harmless, frequent or severe tongue injuries often signal an underlying problem.

Understanding the root causes is key to preventing long-term damage and discomfort.

Causes of Tongue Biting in Sleep

Sleep-related tongue injuries often happen due to:

• Bruxism (teeth grinding)
• Sleep apnea
• Nighttime seizures
• Enlarged tongue or jaw misalignment

When you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, your tongue can accidentally get caught between your teeth. As a result, you might wake up with a sore or cut on your tongue.

1. Bruxism (Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching)

Bruxism is one of the most common reasons for biting your tongue in your sleep. It refers to involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep.

This excessive jaw movement puts pressure on the mouth, making it easy for the tongue to get caught between the teeth.

People with stress, anxiety, or misaligned bites are more prone to bruxism. Over time, this can lead to damaged teeth, sore jaws, and repeated tongue injuries.

2. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that causes interruptions in breathing throughout the night.

During apneic episodes, the airway becomes blocked, often forcing the tongue backward or sideways. This abnormal tongue movement increases the risk of it being bitten.

People with sleep apnea may also grind their teeth at night, which adds to the problem. Using a CPAP machine or oral appliance can help prevent both tongue biting and interrupted breathing.

3. Nighttime Seizures (Nocturnal Seizures)

People with epilepsy or neurological disorders may experience seizures during sleep. During these seizures, muscle spasms, including those in the jaw.

It can cause the teeth to clamp down forcefully. If the tongue is in the way, it can get severely bitten or even cut.

If you frequently wake with blood in your mouth or unexplained tongue injuries, it’s important to consult a neurologist.

4. Enlarged Tongue (Macroglossia)

Some individuals naturally have a larger-than-average tongue, a condition known as macroglossia.

This extra tongue tissue makes it more likely to end up between the teeth during sleep, especially if combined with bruxism or poor sleep posture.

It’s also seen in people with certain genetic or medical conditions like Down syndrome or hypothyroidism.

5. Jaw or Bite Misalignment (Malocclusion)

If your upper and lower teeth don’t align properly. 

It creates extra space or tension that may cause your tongue to slip into an unsafe position during rest.

A misaligned jaw makes it hard for the tongue to rest comfortably, especially when lying on your side or stomach. This can be corrected with orthodontics or night guards.

6. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

In REM sleep behavior disorder, the body fails to stay still during deep sleep.

This can lead to sudden limb movements, jaw clenching, or even vocalization. If your jaw clenches while your tongue is relaxed or partially out, it can result in injury.

How to Heal a Cut on Your Tongue

If you’ve already bitten your tongue, here’s how to help it heal fast:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce infection risk.
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods—they slow down healing.
• Use a cold compress or ice chips to reduce swelling.
• For deeper cuts, consult a doctor or dentist.

These tongue bite treatments are simple but effective when done consistently.

Proven Tips to Stop Biting Tongue at Night

Use a Night Mouth Guard

• A custom-fitted oral appliance protects your tongue from your teeth.
• It also reduces grinding and clenching.
• Dentists recommend it for sleep bruxism.

Manage Sleep Apnea or Seizures

• If you have sleep apnea, a CPAP machine can prevent tongue movement during apnea episodes.
• People with epilepsy may need medication adjustments.

Improve Sleep Posture

• Try sleeping on your back with head support.
• Side-sleeping may cause the tongue to shift between the teeth.

Stay Hydrated and Reduce Stress

• Dehydration can increase muscle spasms, including in the jaw.
• Stress is a major trigger for bruxism, so relaxation techniques can help.

Visit a Dentist or Sleep Specialist

• If the biting continues, get a proper diagnosis.
• They may suggest a different tongue bite treatment based on your condition.

Final Thoughts

Biting your tongue in your sleep is more common than you think. With the right prevention strategies and bit tongue treatments, you can protect your mouth and sleep better.

Always treat persistent symptoms seriously and seek professional advice if needed.