Onychophagia or nail biting is a compulsive stress alleviation habit which may cause pathological changes if the problem persists for a lengthy time period. Oftentimes, individuals indulge in this habit that stems from boredom or when they’re highly engrossed in something. Although more prevalent amongst teens and children, it oftentimes extends into adulthood. It’s mainly regarded as a nervous condition which is harmful to general health and is unsanitary. But, few individuals pay close attention to the effect it does to your dental health. Here, our Pediatric Dentist in Charleston, SC explores nail biting’s negative effects on oral health:
Fractured/ chipped teeth
Although nails are more brittle than the teeth, nails being chewed may chip a tooth’s edge. The main reason is that as you bite the nails, the forceful and repetitive hitting of the lower and upper teeth causes chipping. Within some instances, it also may produce more advanced fractures in the teeth. The repetitive motion teeth become engaged in additionally quickly wear teeth down.
Interference of orthodontic treatment
A nail biting habit is especially damaging in those who wear braces. It’s because the teeth already are under consistent pressure and the extra force produced on teeth caused by nail biting might cause root resorption. It may have a detrimental effect upon the orthodontic procedure.
Cause gaps between the front teeth
It’s only likely to happen as kids are habituated to nail biting from a young age. As teeth aren’t strong at a younger age, the habit will lead to gaps in between the front teeth. Nevertheless, the condition might just arise for children who continually bite their nails in between their teeth.
TMD (Temporomandibular joint disorder)
Constant nail biting often is accompanied by discomfort in the temporomandibular joint, as well as tenderness within facial muscles. It’s potentially due to the repeated force that is applied while chewing nails.
Bacteria introduction into the mouth
The nail’s insides oftentimes harbor germs which become introduced inside the oral cavity, therefore boosting the odds of infection. Within rare instances, if a tiny snipped off nail stays between the teeth or inside the mouth, it may lead to gum inflammation or gum abscess.
