There are many theories as to why people bite their nails but
mostly it often stems from stress or maybe picked up as just another habit.
Whether it is done consciously or subconsciously nail biting affects people of
all ages especially kids.
About 30 % of kids from ages 7 to 10 years bite their nails
and 45% of teenagers have this habit. Now on the surface nail biting may not
seem like a big deal. However, fairly severe consequences can result in both oral
and overall health problems.
WHY DO WE
GNAW OUR NAILS
Stress and boredom are
the main culprits. The habit is often a way to ease anxiety or to keep at least
one part of the body occupied while the mind lacks interest. Frustration,
boredom and loneliness are added emotional triggers. Biting nails can also be a
symptom of a psychological condition such as obsessive compulsive disorder
(OCD).
EFFECTS OF
NAIL BITING ON THE TEETH
According to the Academy of general dentistry, Children or
adults who bite their nails could crack, chip or wear down their front teeth
from the stress caused by biting. Those who wear braces are at a greater risk
of tooth loss and root resorption (shortening of roots)
Nail biting can also
lead to bruxism-unintentional grinding or clenching of teeth that can cause
facial pain, headaches, tooth sensitivity, recession of gums and tooth loss.
Nail biting can cause flat looking tips of teeth, tooth
enamel that is worn off causing extreme sensitivity, popping and cracking of
jaw and indentations of the tongue.
Other risks involved are sore, torn or damaged gum tissue
caused by jagged, sharp fingernail edges and the spread of bacteria from other
body parts to the mouth and from mouth to the nail bed or blood stream.
MEASURES
THAT CAN BE TAKEN TO STOP NAIL BITING
Coat your nails with a bitter tasting nail polish. The nasty
taste will discourage from biting nails.
Keep nails trimmed
short. You will have less of a nail to bite.
Use an alternate technique to manage your stress like yoga,
meditation or deep breathing.
Wearing a mouth guard can deter nail biting and help prevent
further damage to teeth.
Some Dentists
in Andheri also help patients use therapy techniques like learning how
to rest the tongue upward with teeth apart and lips shut to avoid tooth damage.
Put a rubber band around your wrist and snap it whenever you
get the urge to bite your nails.
Finally if nothing works wear gloves or put self-adhesive
bandages on the fingertips so your nails won’t be accessible to bite your
nails.
If it is related to
OCD or any other psychological problem then counseling or medications will
help.
Source:http://bit.ly/2quL9C0
