Can chewing your tongue for multiple years cause serious damage?

[princessbaby4747]

I’ve been chewing my tongue since I got my first few teeth, I’d do it almost everyday any chance I got until I was told to stop. So pretty much I’ve been chewing my tongue for almost 17 years. Currently going through pain cause of it.

[specialmom]

Well, I'm sure you could.  Why do you think you do it?  This sounds like oral soothing since you've done it since you were tiny.  Little ones soothe themselves orally (pacifiers, fingers in mouth, thumb, all objects, etc.).  Biting down is a definite form of release as well.  I have a son with sensory issues and he has a hard rubber P that he can chew on and has had it since he's 4.  He's 14!  Why not try to use something else such as this type of item MADE for chewing and self soothing?  You can get them at any anxiety website.  We call them chew toys but they are commonly found for kids and adults.  They come in textured or smooth, T's or P's, necklaces, bracelets, shapes, etc.  They have things that are not obvious what they are that slip on the end of a pencil where an eraser is and you can chew.  It makes sense that someone with anxiety or ocd would need to chew to self soothe more.  But get yourself some things that are safe and alternative choices than your tongue.  good luck