Nail biting is a very common habit for people of all ages, and while it seems innocent enough compared to other habits like smoking, it can cause serious damage to your teeth. While biting your nails a couple of times won’t make that much of a noticeable difference, it is a habit that can last for years if you’re not willing to break yourself away from it. Over time, the wear on your mouth can lead to painful dental issues that would require treatment to fix. Some of the dental issues that nail biting can cause include:
Biting down of your fingernails puts constant pressure on your teeth, and while you’re biting down on one nail, your other teeth may be grinding or slamming against each other. Over time, the pressure and impact that your teeth endure during nail biting can lead to cracked, chipped or worn down teeth. Additionally, your gums are vulnerable to sharp, jagged nails that can scratch or damage the tissue. For those with braces, you are at even greater risk of damage to the roots of your teeth, since the pressure from the braces combined with the constant biting can lead to a condition where the roots of your teeth shorten and become weaker, known as root resorption.
The muscles in your jaw get used to the constant motion of biting and grinding as you bite your nails, which can turn into an unconscious habit known as bruxism or teeth grinding. Teeth grinding can quickly wear down your teeth, evident by flat tips of the teeth and heightened sensitivity. Other effects of bruxism include headaches, pain in the facial muscles, and a clicking jaw.
Think about everything you touch during the day, from shaking someone’s hand to the door handle of the bathroom. A massive amount of bacteria builds up on our hands throughout the day, and while it may be harmless to us on our skin, you put all of that in your mouth the moment you start biting your nails. Nail biting you exposes our mouths and bodies to a wide range of bacteria that it would otherwise be protected from, which can increase the risk of things like tooth decay, illness, and infection.
If you need help stopping your nail biting habit, and want to turn things around so you can have a perfectly healthy smile, contact us at Mapleridge Children & Adult Dentistry. Located in Liverpool, NY and proudly working with the families of the surrounding communities, creating new, healthy smiles is what we do best. We can provide you with helpful tips on how to break your nail biting habit, as well as provide you with professional cosmetic and general dentistry services Liverpool, NY so you can maintain great oral hygiene. Schedule an appointment with us today!
If you have questions regarding the recipes above, or to learn more about healthy foods to eat that won’t cause damage to your teeth, contact us today, and our friendly team will be happy to help. To schedule an appointment for you or your child, give us a call. Have a happy summer!