Everyone has that one bad habit they just can’t seem to get rid of, and one of the most common habits is nail biting. People bite their nails for a number of reasons, including boredom, anxiety and stress, but not as many people are aware of the negative repercussions it has on your health.

Dr. Robert Petrtyl in Cincinnati is dedicated to providing his patients with the knowledge to maintain good oral health. Dr. Petrtyl provides expert general dentistry services, including gum disease treatment, root canal procedures, and tooth extraction. Dr. Petrtyl's greatest hope, however, is that his patients practice preventative dentistry and kick their bad habits.

The nasty nail biting habit may result in a number of negative health effects, including:

• Infections in the mouth. When you bite your nails, you are allowing tons of dirt and bacteria to enter your mouth. The bacteria can get stuck in between your teeth and under your gums, spreading throughout your mouth and body, and ultimately leading to major disease or infection.
• Damages to the exterior of your teeth. By constantly gnawing on the hard surface of nails, your teeth may receive major damage to their structure and alignment. If you have had braces or previous alignment adjustments, years of biting can end up ruining that work.
• Teeth enamel is worn down. Because enamel is there to protect the exterior of the teeth, losing it will make your teeth much more sensitive to decay, chips and cracking.

While it is extremely important to maintain your oral health with brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups, kicking bad habits such as nail biting is also vital. If you are in need of dental services, visit Dr. Robert Petrtyl online or call (513) 554-4657.