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A 38-year-old member asked:

Can one get lip cancer from biting lips?

2 doctor answers6 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Ritz
Dentistry 48 years experience
Unlikely: Chronic irritation can, over time, causr cells to mutate. But it is far more common to develop a fibroma (benign lump) at the site of the biting habit than anything else. The dentist can actually fabricate an appliance you could wear temporarily to help you break the habit/.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. James Beck
Dentistry 13 years experience
Possibly: Any constant irritation to the oral tissues can lead to cellular changes to the area and be a contributor to cancer. Lip biting alone will probably not cause cancer, but it can't help either. The lips are one of the most common areas for oral cancer. Lip biting is also not good for the appearance and overall health of the lips. Combined with smoking and drinking could definitely cause cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Nov 28, 2017
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