They may only have been trying to save you from a habit, which can be off-putting to others and not have realized the negative dental implications the action can have. But biting your nails can cause serious damage to your teeth. Before you feast on your fingertips, consider the following dangers you may be putting yourself in:
- Hello, Mr. Chips—Biting your nails can actually cause chipping. You can also fracture your teeth’s enamel, leaving you more vulnerable to cavities.
- Shifting Positions—Your teeth can become misaligned or interfere with proper dental occlusion, the manner in which your upper and lower teeth come together when you close your mouth. Nail biting can also cause crowding, all of which can adversely affect your smile and make it harder to properly brush and floss, which can increase your chance at developing cavities.
- Ick!—Guess where the majority of bacteria on your hands lives? Your nails! Every time you chomp on your fingertips you may as well be licking the bottom of the kitchen sink. Doing so exposes you to gum infections, bad breath and general negative health.
- Out of Joint—Nail biting can cause problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include pain in your ear or jaw; difficulty or pain when chewing; clicking sounds when you move your jaw or problems fully opening or closing your mouth.
Steinway Family Dental Center provides quality dental care for families in Queens, delivering outstanding quality care for general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorations. If you are looking for emergency dentists, contact them for treatment for tooth pain and other dental emergencies.
Their general dentistry services include dental cleanings, exams, oral cancer screenings, dental fillings and night guards. If you want to improve the appearance and function of the teeth, they offer teeth whitening, partial dentures & implants, oral & maxillofacial surgery, porcelain veneers & Invisalign braces, and much more.
For additional information or to schedule an appointment with a dentist, please contact Steinway Dental today at 718-728-3314.
