Biting nails can be a constant habit for many people, whether it just be a natural habit or attributed to external factors such as stress. Not only are you damaging how your nails look, but you’re also doing damage to your oral health as well. It can be a habit that’s difficult to stop, but if you’re showing signs of wear and tear on your teeth, it’s recommended that you avoid biting your nails as it’s one of the main habits that damage teeth.
Read on below to learn how biting your nails damages teeth:
Chips And Cracks
When biting your fingernails, you’re in danger of chipping and fracturing your front teeth. Your bite is under severe pressure to break the nail, accelerate the crack, and cause severe and require extraction. Bacteria can penetrate inside the tooth and the enamel as well.
Gum Disease
Those that bite their nails increase their chances of gum disease. When you bite your fingernails, a large crack in your teeth opens the door for bacteria and irritation to your gums. Not only this, the surface of the gums can get scratched, and combining this with bacteria will cause substantial damage.
Tooth Misalignment
Biting your nails puts constant pressure on your jawbone. The more pressure you apply, the likelier your teeth will shift out of position or become oddly shaped. This will then cause tooth misalignment and you’ll require braces or Invisalign to resolve it.
Teeth Grinding
Surprisingly, biting your nails damages teeth by causing teeth grinding, formerly known as Bruxism. When biting your nails, your teeth clench together. Naturally, you will adopt this as a habit. As you stop biting your nails, you may continue to grind your teeth, causing wear and tear.
How Can I Stop Biting My Nails?
These negative impacts on your teeth should be more than enough to help you stop biting your nails due to their impact on your teeth. Should you continue to struggle, follow these tips:
- Avoid any form of stress and anxiety, e.g. through meditation
- Understand what your triggers are that cause you to bite your nails
- Consider keeping your nails short
- Consider having a manicure
If you’re struggling to stop biting your nails, try the above tips to kick the habit. If you’re concerned that your smile has been damaged because of biting your nails, check yourself in for a check-up with Western Sydney Smiles today!
Dr. Ramesh is a dedicated dentist in St Marys passionate about providing personalized, high-quality care. With years of experience and a commitment to continuous learning, he specializes in a range of dental treatments, ensuring patients achieve optimal oral health and confident smiles.
