Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA
Nail biting is a common habit and is one that could wreck your teeth. There are many risks from biting your nails, and here’s the problem with nail biting as well as what you can do to help kick this bad habit.
Teeth are undoubtedly durable but are designed to withstand specific pressure. Front teeth are designed to bite into soft foods and sandwiches, not nails. When you bite your nails, your front teeth are acting as shears, which can lead to chipped teeth or worse. Front teeth are visible to others, protect them by not biting your nails!
What happens if my tooth chips from nail biting?
Depending on the extent of the damage, the dentist may be able to bond a tooth-colored filling to the edge of the tooth that needs fixing. If this is the case for you, keep in mind that continued nail biting will only jeopardize the filling and can not only cause the filling to break but the tooth could chip even more.
For extensive damage, a porcelain veneer or a dental crown may be needed to strengthen the integrity of the tooth. These cosmetic fixes can be a bit costly, which is why nail biting just isn’t worth it. Save your money by clipping your nails instead.
Try one of these simple solutions the next time you are tempted to nibble on your nails.
To prevent these dental problems, try stopping your nail biting habit altogether. It can be difficult to give up a long-term habit, but persistence is key. Try always to keep your nails trimmed short (with clippers of course!). There are also special polishes that you can paint on your nails that have a bitter taste when you try to bite your nails. Be sure to go with a non-toxic polish, in case you cave and end up biting your nails. Try chewing sugar-free gum to keep your teeth busy, and your fingers out of your mouth.
Hamilton Dental Care provides preventive and cosmetic dentistry to people of all ages. To schedule an appointment, contact Hamilton Dental Care today at (570) 387-0533. Hamilton Dental Care is here to serve patients in the communities of Bloomsburg, Danville, and Lewisburg, PA.
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