8 Ways to Kick the Nail Biting Habit

Nail biting is a “nervous disorder” that is scientifically described as onychophagia. It is usually triggered by stress, excitement, boredom or nervousness. Between 30% to 65% of children and 15% of adults bite their nails at one time or another. More than 75% of these people stop the habit after age 35, except for a few with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder).

There are several reasons to stop biting your nails:

• It's unsanitary. Nails harbor bacteria below the nail beds and you swallow these bacteria while biting your nails. Bacteria and viruses passed from your fingers to your face and mouth can make you vulnerable to infection.
• It's unattractive and socially unacceptable. In addition to having a negative appearance, it causes damage to your health. Nail biting leads to ragged and unattractive nails. It also causes nail bleeding and damage to nail beds.
• It can cause stomach problems. When you bite your nails, you transfer bacteria between your mouth and your nails. Swallowing bacteria and broken nail bits can lead to stomach problems.
• It wears down teeth. Pressure from nail biting wears down your teeth over time. In addition, biting pressure leads to crooked teeth. It causes gum redness and irritation. Overall, nail biting can lead to permanent damage to your teeth, gums and nails.
• It can delay your orthodontic treatment and cost you money. Nail biting leads to frequent broken brackets or chipped teeth, which costs you more to fix the dental problem and delays orthodontic treatment.

Here are eight recommended ways to kick the nail biting habit:

1. Keep nails short so there is less nail to bite.
2. Coat your nail with bitter-tasting nail polish. Try fake nail products such as acrylics, wraps, gels and press-on nails.
3. Wear bandages on your nails or gloves on your hands. It may seem a bit awkward at first, but this can be an effective tool.
4. Wear a mouth guard, a clear retainer, or an Invisalign aligner to prevent you from biting your nails.
5. Wear a rubber band around your wrist and snap it every time you have an urge to gnaw on your nails.
6. Take up a new habit in order to kick old habits. Understanding when and why you bite your nails is the first step to making a conscious effort to kick the habit. Then find a way to distract yourself when you have an urge to bite your nails, such as humming, finger tapping, chewing gum, knitting, crocheting, nail care, decoration, doing art projects with clay or plaster, etc.   Outdoor activities such as running, playing basketball, tennis, etc. will also keep you occupied and distracted from the urge to gnaw on your nails.
7. Get support from those around you. Share the news with a friend or family member to encourage and remind you to stop.
8. If you can't find a suitable distraction or habit to help you stop biting your nails, you might try addressing the problem therapeutically. There are options such as behavior therapy or online support groups. You could also find a "quit buddy" to help you on your journey to a bite-free existence.

View How to Stop Biting Your Nails on Howcast

At Care Orthodontics, Dr. Nancy Phan and team care for your oral health as well as your overall health. We hope you find these tips helpful to kick any nail biting habits that you may have.

Sources and Citations:

1. http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/stop-nail-biting-tips
2. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/making-habits-breaking-habits/201301/how-stop-biting-your-nails
3. http://www.rd.com/health/beauty/14-tips-for-strong-and-healthy-nails/
4. http://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Biting-Your-Nails

Why are retainers important after orthodontic treatment?

The most important reason for wearing retainers is to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position. The second reason is to maintain the shape of your jaw, and the third reason is to reduce jaw clenching and grinding.

After completing your orthodontic treatment at Care Orthodontics, Dr. Nancy Phan and team will recommend that you wear retainers. Retainers will hold your teeth, gums and bones in placed until they are stabilized and are less likely to relapse.

There are 3 kinds of retainers. Today, Dr. Phan will share with you the pros and cons and each type:

Hawley retainers:  They are the most common type of retainers and are made out of wire and acrylic. They are removable and are custom made from the impression of your teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers are most durable. They can last up to 15-20 years as long as they are well maintained, kept in their retainer cases, and being worn daily. They can be repaired to accommodate a new crown, a big restoration or even an implant crown or bridge. They allow the person to brush and floss easily.
• Cons:  They require a short adjustment time initially. When first worn this type of retainer may alter your speech a little. Your mouth may salivate a little more until your tongue adjusts to function with these retainers in the mouth.

Clear retainers:  They are removable and transparent. They are custom-made from the entire arch and can be used to hold teeth or to produce minor movements. They are commonly used in Invisalign treatment to move teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers are very esthetic and they are very thin so they are very easy to wear. Most people do not need any adjustment time. Your speech is not affected. In addition, this kind of retainer can be used as a mouth guard to prevent enamel wearing down during grinding.
• Cons:  Their average life time may be 3-10 years depend on the amount of teeth grinding or clenching. Patients who experience heavy clenching and grinding may wear out clear retainers quickly and require a replacement set.

Bonded retainers. They are fixed, non-removable and cemented directly in the back of upper and lower six front teeth.

• Pros:  These retainers stay in the mouth 24-7 unless there is any breakage. For people who forget to wear retainers, for whom teeth have shifted easily, or who prefer to leave retainers in the mouth all the time, this type of retainer is indicated. 
• Cons:  These retainers require the most daily care and maintenance. You need thorough brushing and a special flossing device to keep stains and food away from these retainers. You need to avoid incorrect biting or flossing to prevent bonding breakage. Bonded retainers are not life-time permanent retainers. The bonding can break off and cause your teeth to shift. Broken bonded retainers will need to be repaired or replaced by an orthodontist. In patients who have periodontal diseases such as loss of bony attachment around teeth or have loose teeth, bonded retainers can break easily and require frequent repairs.   

If you have any question about retainers, you can contact us for a consultation appointment at (408) 971-2885 with Dr. Nancy Phan. You can also check our website at www.CareOrthodontics.com for other useful information and tips.