Ask dr. zammitti: what’s so bad about nail biting?
Zammitti & Gidaly Orthodontics
We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Zammitti Orthodontics found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.Nail biting, or Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!
Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!
What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Zammitti or visit this article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.
The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment. Simply select a location below, then choose the time and day that works best with your schedule.
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Effects of Nail Biting on Oral Health
As mentioned in the article, nail biting can have detrimental effects on your oral health. Constantly chewing on your nails can put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, which can lead to weakening of the roots. This added pressure, on top of any existing pressure from braces, can result in costly dental bills over time.
Furthermore, nail biting is also unsanitary as it exposes your teeth and mouth to germs and bacteria that can lead to infections. By breaking the habit of nail biting, you can improve not only the appearance of your teeth but also your overall oral health.
Recommendations to Stop Nail Biting
If you are looking to break the habit of nail biting, there are several recommendations you can follow. One way is to keep your nails trimmed and filed to reduce the temptation to bite them. You can also try using bitter nail polish or other deterrents to discourage nail biting.
Additionally, finding healthier ways to cope with stress or anxiety can help reduce the urge to bite your nails. Seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional can also provide encouragement and accountability as you work towards stopping this harmful habit.
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Effects of Nail Biting on Oral Health
As mentioned in the article, nail biting can have detrimental effects on your oral health. Constantly chewing on your nails can put unnecessary pressure on your teeth, which can lead to weakening of the roots. This added pressure, on top of any existing pressure from braces, can result in costly dental bills over time.
Furthermore, nail biting is also unsanitary as it exposes your teeth and mouth to germs and bacteria that can lead to infections. By breaking the habit of nail biting, you can improve not only the appearance of your teeth but also your overall oral health.
Recommendations to Stop Nail Biting
If you are looking to break the habit of nail biting, there are several recommendations you can follow. One way is to keep your nails trimmed and filed to reduce the temptation to bite them. You can also try using bitter nail polish or other deterrents to discourage nail biting.
Additionally, finding healthier ways to cope with stress or anxiety can help reduce the urge to bite your nails. Seeking support from friends, family, or a healthcare professional can also provide encouragement and accountability as you work towards stopping this harmful habit.
