Anxious Outcomes: 3 Reasons to Quit Biting Your Nails

Proper preventative care is essential to avoiding potential dental emergencies like chipped or broken teeth. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque and bacteria that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease to protect your grin. However, even if you maintain a healthy hygiene routine at home, it’s still possible to injure your teeth if you use them as tools.

For example, did you know that frequently biting your nails can potentially harm your oral health? Many people don’t realize that this anxious habit can spell disaster for their smile. Continue reading to learn three good reasons to consider quitting!

Motivation #1: It Damages Your Teeth

Although enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it doesn’t mean your teeth are invincible. Nibbling your nails when you’re bored or anxious can chip, crack, or wear them down prematurely. If they’re injured and the structure is compromised, germs in your mouth are better able to penetrate your teeth and gums to cause damage and disease.

Unfortunately, this can greatly detract from your overall quality of life. Studies show that people with dental problems are more likely to feel anxious or depressed and avoid spending time with others. To avoid debilitating self-consciousness, try squeezing stress balls instead of chewing the tips of your fingers.

Motivation #2:  It Can Cause Misalignments

Frequently clenching your incisors together firmly enough to cut through your fingernails exerts enough pressure to push them out of their proper placement. While it’s easy to assume that gapped or misaligned teeth are purely a cosmetic concern, that’s simply not true.

If your teeth aren’t in their rightful places, they wear down unevenly, making them more vulnerable to cavities and breakage. Furthermore, it can also cause malocclusion (or a bite misalignment), resulting in jaw pain, headaches, and other general health concerns. That means quitting nail biting can preserve your dental well-being and help you avoid future orthodontic treatment.

Motivation #3: It Increases the Risk of Gum Disease

Did you know periodontal disease is the number one leading cause of tooth loss in adults? If your connective tissues become infected, they start to pull away from your enamel, leaving your teeth without a firm enough foundation.

You might not realize it, but every time you put your fingers into your mouth, you incorporate whatever germs are on your hands or underneath the nail. The more bacteria are allowed to flourish, the more likely you are to develop gingivitis. You can minimize the risk by frequently washing your hands, but it’s better to leave your anxious nail-nibbling habit behind you.

Your teeth are intended to help you grind food and enunciate words, so the next time you notice your nails look a little long, take a few moments to find the nail clippers instead!

About the Practice

At Pace Dental of Vienna, you and your family benefit from the expertise of two dedicated providers who prioritize patient comfort. Dr. Saad and Dr. Spivak share 15+ years of combined experience providing a wide array of services to meet all your dental needs. They combine a caring and conservative approach with state-of-the-art equipment to devise and implement fully individualized treatment plans. If you bite your nails and are worried about the state of your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (703) 705-7476.