Nail biting might seem like a harmless habit, but there are reasons to give up this tendency. The problem with nail biting is that it's hard on your teeth and the rest of your mouth. Nail biting has several major dental effects, which dentists recommend avoiding, including wearing down teeth, encouraging bruxism, and introducing infections.

Tough on Enamel

Fingernails are harder than most foods, and dental enamel isn't designed to handle materials this hard. When you bite your nails, you increase the wear on your front teeth, which causes health and cosmetic dentistry problems. Aside from wearing your enamel flat and potentially exposing the sensitive inner portions of your tooth, you are also more likely to develop chips and cracks.

Especially Bad for Braces

This is even more important if you wear braces or you’re having your teeth straightened by another method. Your teeth are already under pressure from the treatment, and additional pressure is dangerous. Nail biting in these circumstances will increase your risk of root resorption, in which the roots of your teeth shorten and become less stable, or even tooth loss.

The Root of Bruxism

Habitual nail biting also encourages extra tension in your jaw, which, in turn, increases your chances of bruxism. Bruxism is jaw clenching or grinding, which may occur during the day or even in your sleep. This constant use of your jaw muscles can cause headaches, TMJ, tooth sensitivity, and gum recession.

Increased Infection Risk

Aside from the effects on your teeth, biting your nails introduces hard, sharp objects near your gums, and small lacerations are common. While this can be painful, the real problem is the likelihood of infection. Nail biting introduces bacteria from your hands to your mouth and from your mouth to your nail beds and bloodstream, an unhealthy prospect for every part involved.

If you have a nail biting habit, speak with your dentist about how you can stop. Some patients find a mouth guard to be helpful, while others use therapy techniques to break the pattern. Either way, your teeth and gums will thank you for giving up nail biting.

Four Corners Dental Group of Anchorage, AK, provides affordable dental care to patients throughout Anchorage and Wasilla. Their services include general and preventative techniques, as well as cosmetic treatment. For questions, or to schedule an appointment with a dentist, call them at (907) 258-3384, or learn more about the practice online.