Nail-biting is a common and often unnoticeable habit for many people. However, as normal and harmless as it may seem, you may ultimately set yourself up for an unwanted visit to the dentist. According to the staff at Jerry A. Laws, DDS in Lexington, NC, nail-biting is more harmful than you may think, and below, they explain the ways it can damage your teeth. You should break this habit, so consider the points below.

How Nail-Biting Harms Teeth

The general problem with nail-biting is that you’re biting down on a hard surface, which damages the enamel. Similar to teeth grinding, biting your nails will gradually wear down your tooth’s protective surface, opening the door for decay-causing bacteria. However, it’s only the primary issue. Biting your nails can also damage your gums, as jagged pieces can cut the tissue and lead to an infection.

Many people fail to realize that their fingernails are also covered in bacteria. Every time you bite down, you’re introducing an uncountable amount into your mouth. They may cause decay, or in the case of cuts on your gums, enter your bloodstream. An entire host of issues can arise from this, potentially requiring treatment from your dentist and making it imperative to break the habit.

How Do I Stop Nail-Biting?

For most people, nail-biting is a byproduct of stress, which is why it’s important to find ways to reduce it. Yoga, therapy, and meditating are excellent places to start. You should also take steps to keeping your nails trimmed evenly as often as you can, as you’ll have less of a temptation to bite them. Your dentist may also suggest polishes with tart or sour tastes to prevent you from biting subconsciously.

For more dental care advice, turn to a dentist at Jerry A. Laws, DDS and Caitlin Miller, DMD. They offer a variety of services, ranging from cosmetic dentistry to tooth extraction and are committed to ensuring patients maintain healthy, lasting smiles. Call (336) 249-7708 to schedule a dental exam, and visit the website and Facebook page to learn more about their practice.