For patients who notoriously bite their nails, this article is made for you, since nail biting can affect your teeth. To learn more about the effects of nail biting on your smile, your Rochester Hills, MI dentist, Dr. Brad Greenfield, shares this information with his patients.
The Effects of Nail Biting on Your Smile
- Excessive wear and tear. Just like any other body part, your teeth need rest from time-to-time. Most teeth receive said resting period between meals and snacks; yet, for nail biters, your teeth work nonstop throughout the day. This can cause your smile to appear worn from overuse. Plus, with the added strain of chewing, teeth—especially the incisors—can become misaligned.
- Hurt jaw bone or joint. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) stems from an overworked jaw joint and surrounding tissues. Nail biters become more susceptible to developing the dysfunction from the persistent chewing motion. Additionally, nail biters place themselves at risk for the development of a bruxism (or teeth grinding) habit.
- Germy hands. According to your Rochester Hills, MI dentist, your hands contain the most germs on your body—regardless of how often you wash your hands. By constantly placing your fingers in your mouth, you’re placing more bacteria in your body, which can lead to illnesses and disease.
- Cheaper dental care. The Academy of General Dentistry conducted research about the price of dental work for nail biters versus non-nail biters. Over a lifetime, they found that those who were nail biters paid more money (roughly $4,000) to maintain their smiles beautiful.
Find an End for Your Nail Biting Habit at Lake Orion Family Dentistry
Even seemingly insignificant habits can wreak havoc upon your smile. If you’re a severe nail biter and it’s starting to wear your teeth, talk to Dr. Greenfield. He can explain why the habit isn’t healthy for teeth and can offer methods to end it. At Lake Orion Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves in providing the most effective and convenient dentistry. To schedule an appointment with your for services, patient forms, and smile gallery. We happily serve patients in Clarkston, Auburn Hills, Oxford, Lake Orion, and neighboring communities.
