Nail Biting and Teeth: How It Harms Your Dental Health
Nail biting can lead to serious consequences for your oral health, even though it might seem like an innocent habit. This common behavior, known as onychophagia, doesn’t just impact your nails—it can harm your teeth, gums, and even your jaw.
Whether you’re in Katy, TX, or nearby areas like Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, or Brookshire, understanding how nail biting affects your teeth is essential. Our Katy, TX dentists, Dr. Lauren Shepard and Dr. Catherine Wilder at Katy Smile Design are here to help you protect your smile. Contact our Katy dental office today by calling (281) 396-4366.
Why Do People Bite Their Nails?
Nail biting often stems from stress, boredom, or even childhood habits that carry into adulthood. While it might seem harmless, the repetitive action can cause long-term damage to your oral health and overall well-being.
The Dangers of Nail Biting Affects for Your Teeth
Chipped and Cracked Teeth
Biting nails is a challenging habit that can weaken your teeth over time. This habit puts unnecessary pressure on your enamel, leading to chips and cracks.
Misaligned Teeth
Biting your nails can exert unnatural forces on your teeth, potentially shifting them out of alignment and putting excessive pressure on the jaw bone. This is especially concerning for those who wear braces or have recently completed orthodontic treatment.
Damage to Dental Work
If you have fillings, crowns, or veneers, nail biting can damage these restorations, resulting in costly repairs and potentially leading to a chronic teeth grinding habit.
Gum Injuries
Your nails harbor bacteria, which can transfer to your mouth during nail biting. This increases your risk of gum disease, including infections and irritation.
Jaw Pain and TMJ Issues
The repetitive motion of nail biting can strain your jaw muscles, potentially leading to facial pain and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
How to Break the Nail-Biting Habit
Keep Your Nails Trimmed
Short nails are less tempting to bite, so trimming your nails regularly is essential. Regular manicures can help you maintain neatly groomed nails.
Use a Bitter-Tasting Nail Polish
Special nail polishes designed to deter biting have a bitter taste that acts as a reminder to stop biting.
Find Healthier Alternatives
Strategies nail biters can use include chewing sugar-free gum or using a stress ball to redirect energy and reduce the urge to bite nails.
Practice Mindfulness
Recognize the triggers that lead to nail biting, such as stress or boredom, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Seek Professional Help
If nail biting feels uncontrollable, consider speaking with a dentist or therapist. Dr. Shepard and Dr. Wilder can offer personalized advice to protect your teeth and improve your oral health.
Protect Your Oral Health at Katy Smile Design
Whether you’re in Katy or nearby areas like Richmond, Rosenberg, or Sugar Land, nail biters can save their smile from long-term damage by breaking the habit. At Katy Smile Design, Dr. Lauren Shepard and Dr. Catherine Wilder provide preventive and restorative dentistry solutions to keep your teeth healthy and strong. To learn more, contact Katy Smile Design today by calling (281) 396-4366.