Nail biting can be a habit or sign of anxiety; unfortunately, it can affect your oral health in the following ways, as your dentist will confirm.
Potential effects of nail biting:
– Jaw pain due to overuse of the temperomandibular joint (TMJ).
– Cause the protective tooth enamel to wear away over time, and even result in teeth shifting positions.
– Introduce bacteria off the hands into the mouth.
“People who bite their nails also have higher levels of plaque in their mouths, which is the sticky substance that coats teeth throughout the day in between brushing.”
Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/does-biting-your-nails-hurt-your-teeth/
Matthew Houlton BDS(Sheffield) MFGDP(UK)I’m Matthew Houlton, principal dentist and practice owner of Manor House Dental Practice.
Qualified from Sheffield dental hospital in 1993.
Post graduate training with Paul Tipton (Specialist Prosthodontist) from 2005-2007.
Diploma for Membership of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK) 2007.
Special interest in Orthodontics.
Yorkshire Deanary Fixed Appliance Training Scheme 2002-2004.
I have worked at York Hospital’s orthodontic department one session a week since 2009.
Member of the British Society of Occlusal Studies (the study of temporomandibular disorder).
I have two children, who keep me busy when I am not at the practice. I take a keen interest in and teach Aikido, a martial art, to keep a healthy mind and body.
