Nail Biting: The Facts

You may think biting your nails only affects your nails, but did you know that chewing your nails can actually damage your teeth? Fortunately, your nails can grow back, but the damage to your teeth may need professional help before it can be reversed.

Your nails are the dirtiest part of your hands and are actually one of the dirtiest parts of your entire body. Biting your nails invites bad bacteria into your mouth, which can promote bacteria growth. Furthermore, nail biters also tend to have uneven wear on their teeth and are at risk for microfractures.

Nail biting can also lead to other serious issues, such as bruxism and TMJ disorder. In fact, if you bite your nails, you could be training your body to grind your teeth during stressful times. Similarly, severe nail biting can lead to jaw clenching, which can ultimately lead to painful TMJ disorder.

If you do bite your nails, there a number of things you can consider doing. For instance, you may consider spending money on your nails—such as getting a manicure. You see, if you spend money to keep your nails nice, you may hesitate more before you bite down on them. Keeping your nails short may also help. Finally, you could consider putting something bitter on your nails.

If you bite your nails and are interested in learning more about your options, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Scott A. Ervin, DDS at 972-563-1670. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and will be happy to help you keep your mouth healthy. Dr. Scott Ervin and our team are excited to hear from you.