Nail-biting impacts around 30 percent of children and 15 percent of adults. As it is such a common habit, many people overlook how problematic nail-biting can be. Sometimes, nail-biting is a sign of emotional and mental stress. It is also difficult to stop, especially when it is caused by stress. If you are unable to break the habit alone, your dentist can help with a solution like mouthguards in Newmarket.
Why Stop Biting Your Nails
Beyond it being an antisocial habit, you should want to stop biting your nails for a couple of reasons. First, nail-biting is unhygienic. Nails are full of bacteria — they have almost twice as much as you find on your hands. If you ingest even fragments of your nails, you may suffer stomach problems.
Another reason is it is bad for your teeth. Nail-biting can lead to worn-down and crooked teeth and is particularly problematic for wearers of braces. In fact, the impacts on your teeth can mean expensive dental treatment over the long term.
How to Break the Habit
There are several measures you can take to stop biting your nails. For one thing, you can try to make your nails less attractive to bite. By cutting them short, you’ll have fewer nails to bite. You can also try a bitter nail polish that leaves an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Finally, you should think about when and where you bite your nails to be aware of triggers.
How Your Dentist Can Help
If you are unable to stop biting your nails on your own, see your dentist near you. You can receive a custom mouthguard to use at times when you are most likely to start biting. Your dentist will make an impression on your teeth to create a mouthguard that fits comfortably and allows you to talk normally.