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Let’s face it, it has been a stressful year for everyone. To manage your anxiety, you might have picked up a few bad habits, like nail biting. While it may not seem too concerning, it can have lasting consequences for your dental health. Chewing on any inedible objects, including your fingernails, significantly increases your risk of several preventable oral health issues. Don’t worry, here are the tips you need to kick the habit to keep your smile healthy.
What Does Nail Biting Do to Your Mouth?
Biting or chewing on any indigestible object places strain on your teeth. The repeated pressure increases the likeliness of a chipped or cracked tooth. When you bite your nails, it often leaves jagged edges that can injure your gum tissue. If your hands aren’t clean, you can also introduce harmful bacteria to your mouth that can lead to infections.
In some cases, it can also lead to bruxism, which is a subconscious habit of grinding or clenching your teeth. The friction between the upper and lower teeth can lead to enamel wear that can place you at risk of breaks, fractures, and loose teeth. Many patients with bruxism also suffer from facial pain, headaches, sensitive teeth, and other issues.
How Can I Stop Biting My Nails?
Nail biting can be a difficult habit to break, but it isn’t impossible. It may not happen overnight, but making a few simple changes can lessen the frequency of chewing until it subsides. If you’re ready to kick the habit, here are a few tips recommended by dental professionals.
- Keep Your Nails Short: Cut or file your nails to a short length, so there isn’t much left to bite. This will help to reduce the temptation to put them in your mouth.
- Keep Your Mouth and Hands Busy: To deter placing your hands in your mouth, find ways to distract yourself, like playing with a stress ball or chewing a piece of sugarless gum.
- Coat Your Nails with an OTC Product: There are many over-the-counter products that can be used to discourage nail biting. Often, they have a bitter taste, so you won’t want to chew on your nails.
- Get a Manicure: Everyone deserves to be pampered, but a manicure can serve another purpose as well. If your nails look great, you won’t want to ruin them, so you’re less likely to chew on them.
- Contact Your Dentist: If home remedies don’t work, contact your dentist for additional ways to break the habit.
Stop Biting and Save Your Smile
Although we live in stressful times, don’t let nail biting leave a lasting mark on your dental health. Practice stress management exercises to save your nails and your smile.
About Dr. Erin M. Prach
Dr. Prach earned her dental degree at the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine. She has undergone advanced training in oral surgery and other specialties. She strives to help her patients achieve their best smiles. If you need additional tips to stop biting your nails, contact our office today.