These days, schedules are busier than ever before, making it hard for people to manage their stress levels. Unfortunately, this increased stress load can spark bad habits like nail biting, which is detrimental to oral health. Here, the cosmetic dentists at Waterford Dental Health in Connecticut share a few problems you may face if you’re a nail biter and why you should kick the habit. 

3 Dangers of Nail Biting

1. Dental Fractures

You never know quite where that nail will snap, which can cause serious problems for teeth. If you over-close your mouth or concuss the teeth, you might be left with painful dental chips or fractures that require the assistance of a cosmetic dentist. In addition to putting teeth at risk, deep fractures can also cause cracks that run down the root, causing severe intermittent pain. 

2. Lacerations

Nails are sharp, increasing your chances of lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, and gum tissue. Gum tissue cuts can cause scarring around the teeth, which can disrupt the gum line and leave you with a smile that looks uneven. While cosmetic dentists can correct this problem through gingival contouring, it is easy to avoid if you stop this habit.

3. Infections

Unfortunately, both dental fractures and oral lacerations can increase your chances of infection. If a tooth or a cut inside the mouth becomes infected, the bacteria and additional fluids can damage the surrounding tissue, leading to bone and tissue loss. Nail fragments can also become lodged around the sockets of the teeth, where they can spark infections.

If you struggle with the temptation to bite your nails, talk with the cosmetic dentists at Waterford Dental Health. They will offer solutions like mouth guards to curb the habit. They’ll also help with everything from regular preventative dental care to dental implants and orthodontics. To explore their available services, visit their website or call (860) 447-2235.