If you find yourself gnawing on your nails when you’re bored or nervous, the kids’ dentists at Bridgeview Dental Group in Kodiak, AK, encourage you to stop as soon as possible. Not only is it a bad habit, but nail biting is also detrimental to your oral and overall health. Chewing on your nails introduces the germs found on your hands to your mouth, which could result in you getting sick. Also, regular nail biting causes your teeth to slowly wear down, increasing your risk of chipping or cracking a tooth and requiring emergency dentistry services.

By taking some basic steps to quit, you’ll be helping your immune system and protecting the integrity of your teeth. Here, these kids’ dentists have a few tips to help you stop:

• Drink Less Caffeine: Sometimes, consuming copious amounts of coffee or tea can cause people to feel more nervous. In turn, they’ll express this anxiety by biting their nails.
• Use A Stress Ball: When you catch yourself feeling stressed out, try to not chew on your nails. Instead, pick up a stress ball and squeeze it. Not only will this help relieve stress, but it will also keep your nails looking nice.
• Apply Bitter Nail Polish: If you can’t seem to channel your nervous energy elsewhere, ask your nail salon or drug store about bitter nail polish. This product will immediately remind you of the dangers of nail biting as soon as you stick a finger in your mouth.

Protect your body from sickness and your teeth from damage by practicing good dental care and hygiene techniques. To schedule an appointment with a friendly family or kids’ dentist, contact Bridgeview Dental Group at (907) 486-3257 or visit them online today.