Do You Have A Nail Biting Habit?

Many of our daily habits can be quite harmful to our dental health. One often overlooked is the nervous habit of  biting of our nails. This habit can be triggered by stress, excitement, and even boredom. Statistics have shown about that almost about half of all children between the age of 10 and 18 bite their nails. Luckily, most stop by the age of 30.

Dental Health Effects

The following are a few of the most harmful effects of a nail biting habit on your teeth.

• –Can Break Down / Wear Down Your Teeth. Biting our nails can put added stress on our teeth which can lead to fractures and crooked teeth.
• –Nail Biting Is Unsanitary. Over the course of your day, your nails collect and harbor bacteria and dirt. Swallowing the nails or bacteria can lead to stomach issues or illness.
• –Increased Dental Costs. Studies have shown nail biters can add as much as $4,000 dollars in extra dental bills over the course of a lifetime.
• –Delay Orthodontic Treatment. As mentioned above, nail biting can place extra stress on our teeth. Forcing them out of place and working against orthodontic treatment.

Tips To Beat Your Nail Biting Habit

• -Keep your nails trim. Taking care of your nails can help reduce your nail biting habit and encourage you to keep your nails clean.
• –Regular Manicures. Having a regular manicure or using nail polish can help avoid biting your nails. For men, clear polish can be used and is effective.
• –Use A Mouthguard. A custom mouthguard can help break the habit.
• –Use A Bitter Tasting Nail Polish. The terrible spicy taste will train you not to bite your nails.
• –Wear Gloves. Whenever possible wear gloves to remind you not to bite your nails.
• –Behavioral Therapy. Seek professional help if you are unable to stop.

Nail Biting Conclusion

While many consider nail biting a harmless habit it really is not. It can cause damage to our teeth and our general health. As always see your dentist regularly for regular dental examinations and professional cleanings.