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Nail-biting, known medically as onychophagia, might seem like a harmless habit, but it can have severe effects on your oral health. Read on to discover why biting your nails is bad news for your teeth and gums, and practical tips to help kick the habit.

Why Do We Bite Our Nails?

 Did you know that 20-30% of people bite their nails? That’s according to the American Psychological Association. This habit often begins in childhood and can hang around well into adulthood.

For many of us, nail-biting is a way to cope with stress or anxiety. It’s that nervous tick that kicks in before a big work presentation, during a tense movie, or when you’re stuck in traffic. Boredom can also be a big trigger. When your mind isn’t fully engaged, nail-biting can become a mindless way to pass the time.

For some, it’s just a habit deeply ingrained over the years – almost like a reflex. It becomes something you do without thinking, making it difficult to break. Sometimes, it could even be something you picked up from your parents, mimicking their behaviour without realising it.

The Impact of Nail-Biting on Your Oral Health

Dental Enamel Erosion

One of the most noticeable effects of nail biting is the damage it can do to your tooth enamel (the strong, protective outer layer of your teeth). Constantly biting your nails puts your teeth under much stress, which can wear down the enamel over time. Unfortunately, once your enamel is gone, it’s gone for good, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, cavities, and decay.

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Your teeth are designed to chew food, not nails. Nails are harder than most foods we eat, so extra pressure can cause small cracks or chips. Over time, these tiny damages add up, potentially leading to more significant dental issues that require crowns or veneers to be fixed.

Malocclusion and Misalignment

Another problem with nail biting is that it can mess with teeth alignment. The constant pressure can gradually shift your teeth out of place, leading to gaps, crowding, or an overbite. The American Association of Orthodontists warns that nail biting is a common cause of misalignment, especially in people with braces or other orthodontic treatments.

Gum Disease and Infections

Your nails aren’t the cleanest thing in the world. When you bite them, you’re introducing bacteria from under your nails directly into your mouth. This can increase your risk of gum disease and other infections.

The British Dental Journal points out that nail biting can bring harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus into your mouth, potentially leading to serious oral health issues. Plus, those jagged nail edges can cause tiny cuts in your gums, making it easier for bacteria to cause infections.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

 Nail-biting can also strain the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. Over time, this can lead to TMJ disorders, which can cause jaw pain, headaches, and difficulty chewing. A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that people who bite their nails are more likely to experience TMJ-related symptoms due to the repetitive strain on the joint.

How to Stop Biting Your Nails

Breaking the nail-biting habit isn’t easy, but it is possible. Here are some tips that might help:

Behavioural Therapy

 Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective ways to tackle nail-biting. A Behavior Research and Therapy study suggests CBT can help you identify the triggers that lead to nail-biting and develop healthier ways to cope with stress.

Use Bitter-Tasting Nail Polish

 Applying bitter-tasting nail polish is a simple trick that can make nail biting less appealing. These polishes are safe and non-toxic, but they leave a nasty taste in your mouth when you try to bite your nails.

Stress-Relief Techniques

Since stress is often a big trigger for nail-biting, learning some stress-relief techniques can be a game-changer. Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation are all great ways to help reduce the urge to bite your nails.

Keep Your Nails Short

Keeping your nails trimmed short can help reduce the temptation to bite them. With less nail to chew on, the habit becomes less satisfying. Regular manicures can also help keep your nails neat, making you less likely to bite them.

Occupy Your Hands and Mouth

 Find other ways to keep your hands and mouth busy. Squeezing a stress ball, chewing sugar-free gum, or engaging in another activity can help distract you from the urge to bite your nails. A study in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis found that people who used alternative activities to occupy their hands were less likely to engage in nail-biting.

Conclusion

 Nail-biting can seriously damage your teeth and gums. But with the right strategies and determination, you can break free from nail-biting and protect your smile. Whether it’s keeping your nails short, using bitter nail polish, or practising stress-relief techniques, each small step brings you closer to a nail-biting-free life.

At Affinity Dental, we are dedicated to making dental care accessible and affordable for you and your family. When you choose one of our dental plans, you can access a vast network of over 2,000 skilled and professional dentists. Our benefits include mouth examinations, scale and polish, intraoral radiographs, infection control, and more. Contact Affinity Dental for helpful advice on which dental plan best suits you and your family, and visit a network Dentist for more ways to keep your smile healthy.