Nervous biting habits such as biting your nails, biting on the end of a pencil, or chewing on ice can damage your teeth in a number of different ways. If you have one of these nervous habits, you should work to curb it as soon as you can. There are a few different ways to do this. Once you realize you have a nervous biting habit, you need to put some of these methods into action as soon as you can so you don't do permanent damage to your teeth.
How Does This Damage Teeth?
Biting on your nails or other objects can damage your teeth in a few different ways. First, if you bite down on something hard, you could break or chip a tooth. Even biting down on your nails can do this is the tooth is already weakened by a cavity. The pressure you put on your teeth when you bite down on something can weaken the enamel that protects your teeth. This can put you more at risk to cavities. When you bite off small pieces of your nail, it's also possible those pieces can cut your gums or even get stuck there. In addition to hurting and making your gums bleed, this can lead to infection. If you bite down and clench your teeth, the pressure could also cause your teeth to crack. Over time, your teeth may begin to get worn down by the constant biting and chewing.
What Can You Do Instead?
If you know you have a nervous biting habit, you should look at other ways to control or channel your nervous energy. You may want to take up meditation or some other form of relaxation. You could also find another habit to distract yourself from biting. We can help you find a way of dealing with your nervous biting habits and repair any damage you may have done. Contact us today to schedule an exam.
Dental Blog | Dentist Salem, OR | Fairmount Dental Center Fairmount Dental Center has created this dental blog to help patients and the community. Click to learn more about dental procedures, home care and more! Fairmount Dental Center, 1524 Commercial St. SE, Salem, OR 97302 ~ (503) 967-0877 ~ fairmountdentalcenter.com ~ 10/26/2021 ~ Key Phrases: dentist Salem OR ~
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