Biting your nails is a bad habit that can be very hard to break, whether in childhood or as an adult. Even though it might not seem serious, prolonged and chronic nail biting can lead to permanent damage to your mouth.
Biting your nails can result in:
- Chipped teeth
- Worn enamel
- Injury to gums
- Damage to crowns, fillings and other dental work
- Increased chance of illness or infection
To avoid these consequences, work on breaking the habit or replacing it with a healthier one.
You might break the habit by:
- Painting your nails (there are certain polishes designed to have a bitter taste, but even normal or clear can be unpleasant to taste)
- Trim your nails short
- Get regular manicures/invest in your nail appearance
- Chew sugar-free gum
- Have plenty of crunchy, healthy snacks like raw veggies
- When appropriate wear gloves or keep hands in pockets
- Learn what is causing your nail biting and work on awareness to get better control of the habit
Improving your habits in small ways can keep your smile and your overall self healthier!
Sources:
This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
