Once bitten, twice shy I find myself doing it all the time, usually the result of nervous energy. By now, I've chalked it up to a bad habit -- one of those things I know I shouldn't do, but never really make a conscious effort to stop. I'm talking about nail biting, and I've come to find out that it could have a far worse impact on those of us who do it than just jagged-edged fingernails. Apparently, nail biting can cause significant damage to the teeth and gums. According to a recent statement from the Academy of General Dentistry, biting your fingernails places too much stress and pressure on the front teeth, which aren't meant for the type of repetitive chewing nail-biters subject them to. After awhile, this causes the enamel on the teeth to crack and the edges to wear down or even chip. And if you've got braces, the damage can be even worse. The braces/nail-biting combo can put you at increased risk for something called root resorption. In cases of root resorption, the roots of the teeth actually get shorter until, eventually, the teeth fall out of their sockets. Not exactly a pretty picture. I suppose if there's a silver lining to this cloud it's that these problems are repairable. But those repairs come with a hefty price tag. Fixing worn or cracked enamel or replacing teeth lost due to root resporption with implants or bridges can rack up an additional $4000 in dental costs over the course of a lifetime. And I thought my manicure bills were high. Weaning off the bottle Nutrition & Healing Source:
"Nail biting is bad for the teeth," Health Centers Online (www.healthcentersonline.com), 12/18/06 | 
