Guarding Your Smile: How A Quick Rinse Can Be Your Teeth’s Best Friend
Nail biting – known medically as onychophagia – is a common habit that an estimated 30 percent of people can’t kick, often because they don’t realise the serious harm they may be doing to their oral health. That’s why registering with a private dental practice can be a cost-effective way to ensure that, nail biting or not, you have a smile of which you can be proud for many years to come.
In this article, we’ll explain what biting does to your teeth and maybe dissuade you from continuing this habit!
The Effects Of Nail Biting On Teeth: Explained
So, can biting your nails damage your teeth? Absolutely, in the following ways:
Damage To Incisors
One of the most prominent risks of nail biting is the stress it places on your incisors, the upper and lower front teeth that are crucial for biting into hard food. Repeated pressure can lead to chips or cracks in your teeth and weaken the protective enamel, making them more vulnerable to damage and decay which will require restorative work. If you already have fillings in your incisors, biting your nails can cause these to become dislodged, resulting in a visit to the dentist to have them replaced.
Bacterial Transfer
Our hands and nails come into contact with various surfaces throughout the day, some of which may be harbouring bacteria, so it’s unsurprising that fingernails can be a sanctuary for some harmful microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, and E.coli. If you bite your nails, bacteria can be easily transferred to your mouth which, if ingested, can cause unpleasant illness. The bacteria that lurk under fingernails can also affect your oral health, causing gum disease and tooth decay.
Tooth Misalignment
Nail biting can contribute to tooth misalignment (malocclusion), particularly in children and adolescents whose jaws and teeth are still developing. The pressure from nail biting can disrupt the natural alignment of teeth, leading to orthodontic issues that may require corrective, and potentially expensive, treatment.
Weakening Of Oral Structures
Nail biting doesn’t just affect the appearance of your teeth: it can also weaken the underlying oral structures in your mouth. For example, the constant pressure can damage the roots, increasing tooth mobility. In severe cases, this may result in tooth loss, which will have a significant impact on your oral health, smile, and confidence, and will require extensive treatment to correct.
Bruxism And TMJ disorders
Studies demonstrate a strong association between nail biting and bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of teeth. As well as causing premature tooth wear, bruxism also increases the risk of tooth breakage. The repetitive motion of nail biting can also contribute to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), causing jaw pain, headaches, and other unpleasant symptoms.
Protect Your Smile With New Road Dental Practice
If you can’t beat the nail biting habit, you’re putting your teeth at risk of long-term damage. Contact us today to register as a private patient with New Road Dental Practice and book your first appointment with our caring team.
Image Source: Canva
Dr. Ravi Solanki BDS Sheffield (2002) MFDS RCS (Eng) PGCME GDC No: 80945Ravi qualified in 2002 from the University of Sheffield with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Having completed his degree, he joined New Road Dental for one year, then served as a House officer and Senior House Officer in Cardiff Dental Hospital, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Birmingham Dental Hospital. His experience included working in several specialties including Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Restorative, Paediatric, Periodontology, and conscious sedation.
Ravi is registered with the General Dental Council and is a member of the British Dental Association. He completed the prestigious Membership of the Fellowship of Dental Surgeons of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2005, then returned to general practice. He is a Clinical Director of New Road Dental and works full time. His particular interests include oral surgery, dental implants, restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and treating anxious patients.
Ravi is an approved Foundation Dentist Trainer with the West Midlands Deanery. This is a prestigious position where he is responsible for the training of newly qualified dentists. In 2013 he successfully completed his Post Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from the University of Wolverhampton. Ravi is also a proud provider of Fastbraces® Technology.
His brother, Pritesh (Tesh), is also part of the practice. With their amazing team, they have made some improvements in the practice over the last 10 years, which means patients can now benefit from state of the art advancements in dentistry and facial aesthetics.
On the personal side, Ravi is married with 2 children – 1 boy and 1 girl. Most patients know he loves cricket and food. Ravi also swims and practices Wing Chun Kung Fu. He and his family love to travel to explore different cultures and cuisines.
Ravi says: "What I really enjoy about dentistry is the way we have changed people's lives by helping them with their confidence. The difference it makes still manages to surprise me."
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