stop chewing the inside of my mouth

Nothing much has changed. I still do it, but I haven’t drawn blood in about ten months now. I’d say I’m satisfied.

I’m not sure if this is a habit I will ever completely break, but it has been much better this year. While I still have days where I chew a lot, I haven’t had any of the really bad sessions-where I draw blood-for about six months now.

Two things have helped. Chewing bubble gum (the gaudy stuff) when I get the urge. If gum isn’t available, I try to focus on resting the tip of my tongue on the roof of my mouth. That’s less effective for me, but it has helped in a pinch, especially when trying to fall asleep.

I finally slipped last night. It wasn’t too bad…probably only twenty minutes of mastication, and I didn’t draw any blood. I can’t even pinpoint a reason why I started. Oh well.

I started on March 9th with my first post here, and I haven’t mutilated my mouth since! I’ve found myself biting my lip a couple times, but I haven’t given in to the urge. I wish someone had told me about 43 things a long time ago.

I used to bite my fingernails, and was able to stop that habit by always carrying fingernail clippers with me. Not as easy with this habit. I don’t think I have it licked yet, but if I can make it another two months…

Seven days and it’s going great! The only day I really had the temptation was Day 2; ever since then it’s been easy. I think knowing I’m documenting my progress helps me stay aware of what my mouth is doing during idle moments.

It was really tough going today at work. It was slow, and most of the day I was just dying to start the self-mastication. But I chowed down a whole lotta Big Red and remembered how stupid it would be if I couldn’t even make it two days.

Well, I made it two days.

I’ve been doing this since high school; it started during an emotionally stressful time in my life. I am very happy these days. No stress. Nice house. Great job. No debts. I love my family. But this habit remains. I don’t often draw blood, but sometimes it gets so bad I can’t fall asleep until my jaw hurts. I’d say this habit appears about two to three days per week, and it’s probably the #1 priority on my list.

Yesterday was another one of those awful days. Today I’ve been good. I bought some gum and chewed that until my jaw was sore. And when my jaw’s sore, I have no desire to mutilate myself :o) Wish me luck!