Nail biting can lead to serious oral issues, including cavities and gum disease if you or a family member do this regularly.

Here are the top reasons why you should put an end to this practice. No matter how you try to stop, your local Mesa affordable dentist can help you.

 

Why Do People Bite Their Nails?

Biting one's fingernails or the surrounding skin is referred to as onychophagia, a body-focused, repetitive activity.

It has been estimated that between 20% and 30% of children aged 7 to 10 are nail biters, with this habit also being observed in roughly 45% of teenagers.

People typically decline biting nails as they get older, and many naturally stop doing it as they reach adulthood. Some people continue the practice into adulthood.

 

Can My Teeth Get Worse If I Bite My Nails?

Nail biting can cause various health problems, despite its innocuous appearance.

Your local Mesa affordable dentist should know this, as it can impact your teeth. Nail biting, if left unchecked, can lead to several oral issues:

 

Misaligned or broken teeth

Enamel on teeth is renowned for being the most complex tissue in the human body. The former is more robust than human nails. However, the constant pressure and nails rubbing against the teeth can weaken and shatter the tooth enamel.

The gums may expand, we may be more sensitive to temperature changes, and we may experience throbbing pain when chewing.

The damage to a tooth caused by breaking or chipping cannot be repaired. Professional dental services, such as bonding, fillings, crowns, and root canal therapy, will be required for help.

 

Structure and tooth positioning

Nail biting can cause more severe damage to our teeth than just chips and breaks. Biting or chewing one's nails can put a lot of strain on one's teeth and jawbones. In addition, it's possible that our teeth could become misaligned or crooked because of this.

Your affordable dentist in Mesa may consider using braces or another treatment to address dental malocclusions.

 

Gum disease

Nail-biting renders our teeth and gums prone to bacterial infection. As we chew our nails, we may injure our gums and cause open wounds on the surface.

Gum illnesses like gingivitis and periodontitis can be caused by introducing bacteria into open sores on the gums, and our hands are a common breeding place for bacteria.

As a result, our gums may become red, swollen, and tender. Contact your Mesa family dentist immediately to check whether you have symptoms of gum disease.

 

Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

The medical word for grinding one's teeth, whether on purpose or unintentionally, is bruxism. The issue frequently occurs during sleep and may cause tooth damage, migraines, and even jaw pain.

Researchers found those suffering from anxiety display bruxism symptoms. Since nail-biting is associated with anxiety, doing the same regularly may form an instinctive response anytime one meets a stressful circumstance, resulting in a higher risk of bruxism.

A Mesa affordable dentist can recommend using a night guard to protect your teeth as you sleep.

 

When Do I Need A Mesa Dentist Because of Nail Biting?

When you chew, do you get a sudden stabbing pain? Have your teeth shifted significantly in form or alignment? Avoid damaging your teeth by biting your nails too much.

Martin Dental is a dental office in Mesa where patients can come for an appointment or consultation with a dentist.

If you wish to learn more, Contact Martin Dental for expert dental care. Alternatively, you can fill in the quick form for a fast response from the team.

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