How Nail Biting Impacts Your Teeth

Nail biting can cause your nails to have an unsightly appearance. They may appear ragged or have many other problems. Additionally, nail biting can do a lot of damage to your teeth. Teeth may initially seem stronger than nails, but consistent wear can break them down.

Problems Caused by Nail Biting

Nail biting causes many problems with your teeth. Consistent nail biting can lead to excessive erosion, chipping, and cracking. Not only can nail biting damage the exterior of your teeth, but nail biting can also cause the teeth to shift. This can lead to malocclusion and gaps, as well as undo years of orthodontic treatment.

Nail biting can also make you more susceptible to gingivitis. Dirt and bacteria builds up on your hands over the day and that bacteria can transfer to your mouth when you bite your nails. Root resorption is one of the most serious problems caused by nail biting. The added pressure to your teeth can cause the roots to resorb into the jaw bone. This is especially common with braces, because the braces are already putting pressure onto the teeth.

Quitting Nail Biting

Like with any other habit, quitting nail biting must be a conscious decision. There are several steps that can make quitting nail biting easier. You can keep your nails trimmed, removing anything for you to chew on. Additionally, you can paint your nails with a bitter tasting nail polish designed to help people stop biting their nails.

Obtaining regular manicures can also help stop nail biting. If your nails look nice, you will be less likely to ruin them by biting. You can also try swapping the nail biting habit with something that is less harmful, like using a stress ball.

Nail biting is harmful in multiple ways. It is important to protect your teeth to prevent severe oral health problems from occurring. To learn more about how to protect your teeth from damage, contact us at Jenson Dental in Brigham City, UT today!