Did you know how harmful nail biting can be to your teeth and overall oral health? Not many people know the extent to which this bad habit can impact your beautiful teeth.
Nail Biting’s Impact
Let’s take a closer look at how your nail biting habit can cause damage to your teeth.
- Cleanliness: You touch a lot of different surfaces with your hands throughout a given day. Nail biting transfers those bacteria and dirt that has collected under your nails to your mouth and stomach. Even if you wash and sanitize your hands regularly, bacteria will still enter your system. This bacteria can cause damages to your teeth and even lead to illness or stomach irritation.
- Stress: Nail biting can place a lot of extra (and unwanted) stress on your teeth. This pressure can actually cause them to shift and move from their natural placement in your mouth. This can cause soreness and even lead to orthodontic treatments in the future.
- Wearing Your Teeth Down: Over time, nail biting can actually wear down your teeth. This can impact the enamel and strength of your teeth. Worse yet, continuous nail biting can actually cause teeth to chip or crack.
- Money, Money, Money: Since nail biting can lead to significant oral health and teeth damages, many people will have to invest more money in dental care over their lifetime. Wouldn’t you rather spend that money on a night out, rather than nail biting?
Did you know that almost 50% of children between 10 and 18 bite their nails? Think about how much damage nail biting can do over 8 years. And while studies show that many people stop by the age of 30, nail biting can damage your oral health significantly during that time period.
Beat Your Nail Biting Habit
Do you find yourself biting your nails? Do you have a nail biting habit? Here are a few simple tricks and tips to help you break this bad habit.
- Trim Those Nails: Keeping your nails short can actually remove dirt and bacteria. It also helps discourage nail biting.
- Some TLC: For women, getting manicures to keep your nails short and attractive can be a great deterrent. Who wants to bite those beautifully sculpted nails you just had done?
- Leaning on a Friend of Family Member: Share your nail biting habit with your friends or family. Ask them to help you break the habit by telling you when you’re doing it or drawing attention to it. Many people have developed a nail biting habit over years and sometimes won’t even notice they’re doing it. Get some help from people closest to you!
Regular Checkups and Dental Visits
As one of the top Toronto dentists, Dr. Adibfar recommends regular dental checkups and cleanings. Visiting your dentist is one of the most important parts of your oral health routine. Dr. Adibfar and her talented Davisville dental team can help keep your teeth sparkling. Contact us today to schedule your next cleaning or exam.
Next Steps
Have specific questions about how to improve your oral health or want to book checkup, teeth cleaning or routine exam? Contact us directly! Our team looks forward to seeing you.
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BONUS
When you refer a friend, family member or colleague to our office, you’ll receive a $25 gift card to a favourite local coffee shop!
Simply contact our Davisville dental team directly to make a referral! Now that you know how to combat stains, you can enjoy your coffee or tea to the fullest!