If you bite your nails and want to kick the habit, read on. Nail-biting can do more damage to your teeth and gums than you might think. When you bite your nails you are bringing lots of bacteria into your mouth.
Worse still, this bacteria can be introduced directly into the gums when you snag or scrape them with a rough fingernail. Finger nails are made of a tough protein which is hard enough to chip and crack teeth. It can certainly wear away tooth enamel.
Key takeaways
– Biting your nails can damage teeth and gums
– Bacteria from fingernails can enter the mouth, causing infection
– Trim nails and keep them neat
Chewed nails and chipped teeth are nothing to smile about. See your dentist if you suspect damage.
“By biting your nails, you wear down your teeth faster, increasing the chances of enamel erosion, a misaligned bite, and other dental problems.”
Full article:
http://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-nail-biting-affects-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.
