We only get one set of adult teeth. They should be one of the most important things you work to protect through proper oral care and intended use. Biting your nails may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to a beautiful smile. It increases the risk you may chip a tooth, increase the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth and begin to shift your teeth.
All too often, we use our teeth to perform tasks other than chewing. For some, the convenience of using our teeth to perform certain actions – such as biting our nails – outweighs the risk of chipping a tooth or otherwise damaging our teeth over time. Biting our nails tends to start as a childhood fascination that if left unchecked, can progress into adulthood.
Before you damage a tooth or otherwise damage your smile, here are some tips to help yourself keep from biting your nails:
- Identify your triggers
- Keep your nails trimmed
- Get regular manicures
- Apply a clear or bitter-tasting to your nails or the edge of your fingertips
- Replace the nail-biting habit with a good habit
- Try to gradually stop biting your nails, going nail by nail until the habit is kicked
Small steps may be the key to making a bigger change. The sooner you kick your nail-biting habit, the less time you spend unconsciously damaging your teeth.
If you have questions or concerns, make an appointment today with Dr. Schnall at 212-247-7059 or visit our website at www.philipschnalldmd.com.
Dr. Philip Schnall proudly serves Central Park West and all surrounding areas.