The dangers of nail biting on our oral health

Madrid, September 6 (Europe Press) –

The frequent habit of biting nails, known as onychophagia, can cause significant oral disorders, as warned by the General Council of Dentists, who recommend going to a consultation at least twice a year if the practice is performed for a review and to avoid future diseases.

This recurring habit usually begins at 4-6 years of age. In fact, some studies estimate its prevalence as 30 percent of minors. Nail biting, like other unhealthy habits (thumb sucking, for example) at these ages, can lead to abnormal tooth movements and cause malocclusion. In addition, baby teeth also suffer from enamel erosion, just like permanent teeth.

Thus, according to dentists, the most common oral problems that can arise when biting nails are: wear and tear and micro-fractures in the tooth enamel, especially in the upper incisors; problems in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), such as pain and clicking sounds, because this habit forces the jaw to move forward; Bacteria and other microorganisms under the nails can cause frequent gum problems and canker sores.

In very severe cases, they warn that if a sore throat is associated with other illnesses, such as bruxism, the survival of the tooth may be at risk. For this reason, they make sure that people who have this habit “should be aware of the oral problems that can arise if they cannot control it.” Through periodic reviews, they conclude, “The dentist will check whether the swallowing has caused any damage to the patient’s mouth and can be treated to avoid more serious diseases.”