Blog Post

The Danger of Nail Biting on Teeth

John Adams • Jul 01, 2016
Nail Biting on Teeth

How Nail Biting Can be Harmful to Your Teeth

For many, nail biting is a very hard habit to break – patients bite their nails for a number of different reasons including nervousness, anxiety, excitement, and/or as a way to absentmindedly relieve stress. Although biting nails may seem like a harmless, nervous, or stress-induced habit, it can actually have major consequences for your dental health. Adults and children who bite their nails run the risk of cracking, chipping, or otherwise wearing down their front teeth among other things.

While patients who bite their nails are at risk of damage to their teeth and dental health, those individuals who wear braces are often at a much greater risk. Those who wear braces and bite their nails have a greater risk of tooth loss or root resorption, which is a shortening of the teeth’s roots since braces already put pressure on the teeth. Additionally, nail biting with braces can cause damage to the braces themselves to the point of needing to be replaced.

In addition to the above risks, studies have also indicated those who bite their nails, clench their teeth, or chew on pencils or pens could potentially be at a higher risk for bruxism, which is unintentional clenching or grinding that may cause headaches, facial pain, tooth sensitivity, tooth loss, or recessed gums. Symptoms of bruxism include worn tooth enamel, flattening of the tips of the teeth, clicking or popping of the jaw, and tongue indentations.

Nail biters can face additional dental health risks that include damaged, torn, or sore gum tissue, which is caused by sharp or jagged fingernails as well as the spread of bacteria from other body parts into the mouth as well as from the mouth into the bloodstream via the nail beds. Considering all the possible dental health and general health risks that nail biting can cause, it is important to work on breaking the habit as soon as possible to avoid serious health issues in the future.

Patients who are struggling with biting their nails might find it beneficial to wear a mouth guard in order to deter the nail biting behavior and prevent any damage to the teeth. Dentists may also suggest using therapy techniques, such as learning to rest the tongue in an upward position while keeping the teeth apart and the mouth shut to help avoid potential tooth damage. If you are struggling with biting your nails, make sure to research possible solutions to help overcome the habit and keep your dental health.

If you're concerned about the effects of nail biting on your teeth, you can always consult with your dentist, and remember you can always sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

Copyright: diego_cervo / 123RF Stock Photo


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