harmful nail biting habit

[tirath]

cause of nail bitThe Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) reminded patients that nail-biting is a common habit that damages the teeth and gums.

Up to 41 percent of children bite their nails, according to the AGD, and the habit could eventually cost more than $4,000 in dental bills. Nail-biting places a great amount of stress on the front teeth, potentially causing the edges to chip or wear down and the enamel to crack. This damage may become severe enough to require composite restorations or crowns.

“Nailbiting can cause a lot of damage to the front teeth because they’re not meant to be in a constant chewing mode,” said Dr. Paula Jones of the AGD. “And unfortunately, I see nailbiters of all ages in my practice everyday.”

The combination of nail-biting and braces may cause additional damage. Teeth with braces already endure increased pressure from the braces. Nail-biting may increase this pressure and increase the risk to the roots of resorption, or shortening. Root resorption takes a long time to develop, but if it progresses far enough, the affected teeth will fall out of the sockets. Lost teeth can be replaced with implants or bridges.

Other potential dangers of nail-biting include damage to the gums from sharp points and edges of the nails and the spread of infection. Bacteria in the mouth can spread to the fingers and hands, while bacteria or fungi from the rest of the body can spread to the mouth.

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[divyanshee]

Some studies estimate that 30% to 60% of kids and teens chew on one or more fingernails. And, occasionally, a child may also bite his or her toenails.

Fingernails are composed of layers of keratin, a protein also found in hair and skin. The nail plate, which is dead, compacted and hardened keratin, is the visible part of the nail that you polish, and the nail bed is the skin beneath it. The cuticle is tissue at the base of the nail; it overlaps the nail to form a protective seal with the nail plate. The nail is formed (and grows from) the area beneath the cuticle, called the matrix.

What to look for

Nail nibblers beware; this habit’s not just unattractive, it also can cause a slew of problems:

* Red, swollen and painful skin around the nails is a sign of infection, caused by bacteria getting into cuts, tears or other openings in the protective cuticle.

* Weak, splitting nails result from regular biting.

* Dental problems are the reality for many lifelong biters. Since nail-biting is common in children and adolescents, the habit can affect teeth formation.

Simple solutions

You can quit. Beauty Rx:

1. Catch yourself in the act. In a day planner, mark down every time you find yourself nibbling. Since nail-biting is often an unconscious habit brought on by anxiety, it helps to be aware of trigger situations (e.g., stressful moments at work, a fight with your beau).

2. Manage stress. Learn to cope with anxiety (through relaxation, exercise and even therapy).

3. Decorate your nails as you grow them. There are self-stick nails that can be attached to make stubby ones look longer. If you’re painting your nails as a no-bite tactic, first use a strengthening base coat so your nails get stronger. A long-wear polish will also keep your fingers looking nice for days, so you won’t be as tempted to nibble.

4. Set up a reward system. If you don’t bite for two weeks, for example, indulge in a new pair of shoes. If you last a month, splurge on a massage.

        

[Anonymous]

Really nice compilation

        

[gaurang_thanvi2003]

I think it leads to Verruca vulgaris(benign tumors by Squamous Papilloma) which is characterised by the verrucae on lips mainly girls finger also affected…..
Gaurang Thanvi

        

[Author]

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