Social Media and Anxiety Linked to Rising Bruxism and Cheek‑Biting in Youth

A 2024 study of 213 Spanish adolescents found that increased nighttime use of social media during lockdown was associated with higher anxiety levels and a rise in self‑reported bruxism, suggesting that digital screen time can exacerbate oral health issues in young people. Researchers highlighted anxiety, stress and the fear of missing out as key psychological triggers.

Separately, health experts describe cheek‑biting (morsicatio buccarum) as a common body‑focused repetitive behavior that many individuals use to relieve tension and anxiety. Psychological mechanisms such as emotional regulation, sensory stimulation and a desire for control drive the habit, which can lead to oral injuries if it becomes compulsive. Both pieces underscore the need for better awareness of anxiety‑related oral habits and potential interventions, such as cognitive‑behavioral strategies, to mitigate their impact on adolescents and young adults.