It is obvious that a nail-biting habit can adversely affect the appearance of your hands, but what is less obvious is the effect that nail biting can have on your teeth. Biting your nails can cause potential chips and cracks in teeth, particularly in front teeth, as these are the ones that are mostly involved in nail-biting. Studies have also shown that people who have a nail-biting habit most likely have or are at greater risk of developing bruxism, which is the unintentional grinding or clenching of teeth.
Here at Carolina Avenue Dental Care in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, we are committed to helping you avoid the problems that can develop as a result of nail-biting. Dr. Stephen Craig Thomas, our dentist, has seen the damage that nail-biting caused to teeth first hand and wants you to understand the risks to help motivate you to kick the habit.
Some of the dental risks for nail biters include:
– Torn or damaged gum tissue due to torn or jagged nail edges.
– The spread of other bacteria from other parts of the body to the mouth. A lot of bacteria is picked up and carried under the nails throughout the day.
– Chipped or fragmented teeth and damaged tooth enamel
– Jaw dysfunction due to having it in a protruding position for extended periods of time
If you are worried that your nail biting habit is affecting your oral health, call at 843-899-5911 to schedule an appointment for an oral assessment. We are happy to help you with all your oral health care needs and are here to help you find a solution if nail biting is a problem for you.