Can Nail Biting Cause or Worsen Bruxism?
Do you ever catch yourself biting your nails when you're stressed, nervous, or simply distracted? It may seem like a harmless habit, but frequent nail biting can put extra pressure on your teeth and jaw. If you also clench or grind your teeth, you might wonder if the two habits are connected.
The purpose of this blog is to look into the possibility that nail biting may lead to bruxism, the effects of both behaviors on your teeth and jaw, as well as some ways to stop biting your nails.
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How Stress and Anxiety Can Contribute to Nail Biting
Stress and anxiety might seem alike in many ways, however, according to the American Psychological Association, stress might result from completely different circumstances than anxiety. Stress is frquently associated with some life event, which can be temporary or lasting. Anxiety, on the other hand, can stick around even when there's no clear source of stress. For some people, dealing with these feelings may lead to repetitive habits known as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
Cleveland Clinic groups certain repetitive habits under the term BFRBs. These behaviors can happen almost automatically and may eventually cause some form of harm to the body. Nail biting is a common example. Since stress and anxiety can also be linked to teeth clenching and grinding, it's worth asking whether nail biting itself may contribute to bruxism over time.
Can Nail Biting Worsen Bruxism?
Nail biting and bruxism appear to have nothing in common, but both habits exert a constant pressure on your teeth and jaw. Although nail biting is not a reason for bruxism, it may contribute to the pressure applied from grinding and clenching of teeth. So, can frequent nail biting actually make bruxism worse?
What is Bruxism, and How Do Stress and Anxiety Play a Role?
The Journal of the American Dental Association defines bruxism as any repetitive movements of the jaw and teeth that include clenching or grinding and may be done unconsciously. It may occur while you're aware or asleep. Like nail biting, bruxism can also be associated with stress and anxiety, although other factors may play a role.
Indeed, studies indicate that the behavioral manifestations of stress may involved the act of teeth grinding and nail biting. This could account for the reason why these habits may happen simultaneously especially during stressful times.
How Nail Biting and Bruxism Can Affect Your Teeth and Jaw
Research has found a connection between nail biting and bruxism. One of the studies on oral habits in children has observed the association between the two behaviors, and the same has also been reported in some other studies. However, this does not mean that nail-biting is a cause for bruxism, but the two habits can occur together.
A review on bruxism also listed nail biting and biting hard objects as habits that may make the condition worse. It was established that chronic teeth grinding could create pressure on the jaw muscles, cause bone loss, and lead to tooth-related issues. If nail biting and teeth grinding occur at the same time, it could increase strain on your teeth and jaw even further.
How to Stop Nail Biting and Protect Your Teeth
If you are someone who is a habitual nail biter, quitting this habit will be of great assistance to relieve the additional stress that is exerted on your teeth and jaws. WebMD suggests many ways to stop nail biting, which include:
- Trim your nails short. This gives you less to bite.
- Try bitter-tasting nail polish. The taste can help discourage biting.
- Identify your triggers. Notice when and why you tend to bite your nails.
- Keep your hands or mouth busy. Try a stress ball, fidget, or gum instead.
- Relieve stress. Discover healthy methods for dealing with stress and anxiety which can cause nail biting.
- Consider a dental guard. If you also clench or grind your teeth, ask your dentist if one may help protect them. Keep in mind that a custom dental guard can protect your teeth from bruxism, but it won't stop nail biting itself.
Did you know nail biting can damage your teeth? Find out more in our latest blog: Can Nail Biting Damage Your Teeth? Effects, Risks & Prevention Tips
Protect Your Teeth and Break the Habit
Stopping the habit of biting your nails is not something that can happen overnight. If you're struggling to break the habit while also noticing signs of tooth wear from bruxism, a custom night guard may help protect your teeth. Talk to your dentist about whether a custom night guard is right for you, then consider ClearClub's Custom Night Guards for added protection.
With our renewal plan, you can also have a fresh night guard delivered when it's time for a replacement, making it easier to keep up with your oral care routine. Protect your smile and break the habit today.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can nail biting cause bruxism?
Nail biting does not necessarily cause bruxism, but research suggests the two habits can occur together. Nail biting may also place extra pressure on the teeth and jaw.
❓ Does nail biting damage your teeth?
Frequent nail biting can place repeated pressure on the teeth and may contribute to dental problems over time, especially when combined with bruxism.
❓ Can a night guard stop nail biting?
No. A custom night guard can help prevent tooth damage caused by bruxism, but it cannot stop nail biting.
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