Biting your nails may not seem particularly damaging at first. However, nail-biting can affect your teeth, do damage to your nail beds, and put you at risk for getting sick from all of the germs. You should kick the habit as soon as possible as it usually is caused by an underlying mental health issue that may need to be treated. Studies show that biting your nails can be a reaction to stress, frustration, or anxiety. The data shows that 60% of children, 45% of teens, and 30% of adults bite their nails.
Impact on Your Teeth
Biting your nails can wreak havoc on your teeth. Below are some of the possible consequences of biting your nails and how it will affect your teeth.
Tooth Fracture
Because you are biting down on your hard nail, you can actually fracture your tooth. While your nail may not seem to be super stiff, it is still quite hard and can have a major impact on your tooth.
Chipped Tooth
Biting can also cause your tooth to chip. If you already have a weak spot on your tooth, biting your nails will not do it any favors. This is especially true if you have veneers.
TMJ
The temporomandibular joints (also referred to as “TMJ”) are the joints and muscles in your jaw that help you open and close your mouth. Biting your nails can place additional stress on the joints which can cause pain and swelling.
Steps to Quit
Quitting a bad habit can be a pain. However, nail-biting is one of the easier habits to kick. It will save you from potentially high dental bills in the long run. If you are ready to quit, try some of the tips below to get yourself completely free from your nail-biting habit. Again, some of these tips will be specific to whatever the underlying cause of your urge to bite your nails is. With that, some may apply to you more than others.
1. Balance
If you bite your nails when you are stressed it may be a sign that you need a better work-life balance. While many parents reading this may roll their eyes, it’s understandable. Work-life balance with children, careers, and everything else is sometimes impossible. However, try and find a way to have at least five minutes a day dedicated to you. You can meditate, attend a yoga class, read, or even try therapy. Whatever you need to do to unwind and de-stress it’s worth your mental and physical health to etch out some time for it.
2. Aversion Therapy Method
Put a rubber band on your wrist. Every time you catch yourself biting your nails or having the urge to, snap it lightly. It won’t hurt, but it will train you to fight the urge to bite your nails.
3. Bitter Polish
There are a number of polishes that are made specifically for nail biters. The polish tastes bitter and works kind of like the aversion therapy method above.
4. Manicure and Short Nails
You can either cut your own nails super short so there is nothing left to chew. However, do not chew on the skin around the quick of your nails as this is problematic as well. You can also invest in a nice short gel manicure to help you avoid damaging your newly polished nails.
5. Germs
Think about all of the germs under your nails and use it as motivation to keep your fingers out of your mouth. That should help as there are tons of nasty germs under your nails and on your fingers that could get you sick.
Dentists in Chino Hills, California
If you are struggling with biting your nails, have a chipped tooth, issues with TMJ, or any other dental care issue, contact the dentists at Dental Care of Chino Hills. We provide patients with complete treatment plans to help with any dental issues. We use restorative and cosmetic dentistry based on whatever your dental needs are. Contact our Chino Hills office today for an appointment!