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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

I'm biting my tongue and inside my mouth. Is that a symptom of MS?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Clay Hill Florida
February 11
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Answer Summary

Members confirmed that biting the tongue and inside of the mouth is indeed a symptom of MS, with many sharing that they have experienced it... Read more

Members confirmed that biting the tongue and inside of the mouth is indeed a symptom of MS, with many sharing that they have experienced it for years during eating, talking, or even while sleeping. Several members offered practical tips including eating slowly, taking small bites, tilting the head back when swallowing pills, using a mouth guard for teeth clenching, and trying a soft or liquid diet during flare-ups. A recurring theme was the importance of self-advocacy, including seeking speech therapy referrals and consulting doctors about TMJ-related issues linked to pain and stress.

A MyMSTeam Member

I swallow any pill with my head tilted back and relax. That seems to help with swallowing pills.

February 11
MyMSTeam

Is biting your tongue and inside your mouth a symptom of MS?

Yes, biting your tongue and the inside of your mouth can be related to MS. Many MyMSTeam members experience this frustrating symptom. One member shared, "For the past six months, on and off, I've been biting my tongue. This only happens when I'm talking."

MS Show Full Answer

Is biting your tongue and inside your mouth a symptom of MS?

Yes, biting your tongue and the inside of your mouth can be related to MS. Many MyMSTeam members experience this frustrating symptom. One member shared, "For the past six months, on and off, I've been biting my tongue. This only happens when I'm talking."

MS lesions can affect the nerves controlling your face, jaw, tongue, and mouth muscles, leading to uncontrolled movements or coordination issues. Once you bite your tongue or cheek, the swelling makes it more likely to happen again.

Common MS-related causes include:

- Dysphagia (swallowing problems): Weakness or motor control issues affecting your tongue can make you more prone to biting
- Dysarthria (speech difficulties): Damage to brain areas involved with speech can affect tongue control
- Numbness: Loss of sensation in your mouth, tongue, or face makes it harder to notice when you're biting yourself
- Motor control problems: MS can cause sudden, uncontrollable movements of facial and jaw muscles

A MyMSTeam member described it well: "It's like my tongue has a different idea of what to do."

However, not all tongue-biting is MS-related. Other causes include seizures, tooth alignment issues, stress, or oral health problems. If you're repeatedly biting the same spot, contact your doctor to rule out other conditions and discuss management strategies.

February 11
A MyMSTeam Member

MarieH I do the same with clenching my teeth, but I don't have a mouth guard

February 11
A MyMSTeam Member

It must be, because I do it all the time. Most of the time, it brings blood where I bite my tongue. Brr that's a real pain. Brings tears to my eyes & makes me so mad 😡. I been doing this every since or round about the the I got Diagnosed with MS

February 11
A MyMSTeam Member

I agree it feels like there's something always in there it's hard for me to swallow my pills and everytime they get caught in my throat and you know the taste of them yuk

February 11

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