I've chewed on my fingernails for a long time and have tried many things to quit but no luck. This has a connection to my teeth. Anyways, when I'd nibble on my nails, every once in a great while my finger would slip and hit my lower gumline. Hurts like a b**** too. Over time, my lower gumline(front four) has begun to recede bc of that slip of my nail.
Out of curiousity, as long as I keep up with my teeth(brushing, flossing,etc). Should I worry about it? Will it heal(replace the tissue that was once lost) at all if I do stop chewing on my nails? They're healthy as they can be..just missing in a couple spots. I'm probably over-reacting too. Haha
2006-08-31 18:18:50 · 9 answers · asked by acealmighty13 2 in Health ➔ Dental
Tried the nail polish remover and it didn't help much at all other than the smell. And I like tabasco so any other ideas?
2006-09-01 16:27:29 · update #1
hey i kow your problum with the bad habbit of biting my nails well my dad out hot sauce on my nails so i would stop. but with your gums i sugest you should see your dentice cause you dont want to cause an infection in your gums cause that might lead to surgery
2006-08-31 18:24:58 · answer #1 · answered by Vic 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please keep working on giving up the habit.
There are 2 areas of gums that surround teeth:
Layer 1 - closest to neck of teeth, is called the attached gingiva. It's a pale pink colour. It forms a toughened region that acts as a protective buffer against normal pressures of food and the ingress of bacteria as you eat;
Layer 2 - this starts a few millimetres below the neck of the teeth and continues into the cheeks, and is called the unattached gingiva. It has tiny blood vessels visible in it, therefore redder. It is more stretchy than attached gingiva.
In your biting habit, you are causing a cleft in the tough attached gum and will eventually work your way to the unattached gum. Now food and bacteria will start to jam into the softer gum, and it will become sore, and sometimes infected.
The gum will not regrow, and in some cases will become so troublesome that a skin graft may be performed by a gum specialist.
I hope this is an added incentive to quit - best of luck.
2006-09-01 06:37:50 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Matt W (Australia) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be ok, just stop doing it. However you can get a bacteria build up under your teeth behind your gums, that can lead to an infection and what not. Cause your mouth is naturally a breeding ground for germs, not to mention what is on your hands. I would just make sure you see your dentist regularly. Ohh and puttin tabasco sauce under your nails can help you to stop biting them once your gums have healed.
2006-09-01 01:25:59 · answer #3 · answered by beachbebe_03 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
id say see ur dentist... and try as much as u can to stop chewing on ur nails. human hands touch some of the dirtiest places so sticking them near ur mouth is a bad idea
2006-09-01 01:28:45 · answer #4 · answered by theskyispink v 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you'll be fine...just keep up with your oral hygine & visit your dentist regularly.
And stop biting your nails! Think of where your hands have been...and all the nasty little germs you can pick up places like door knobs, etc! Ick!
2006-09-01 01:25:17 · answer #5 · answered by Amy L 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not sure but about chewing on your nails have you tried dipping them in finger polish remover
2006-09-01 01:26:28 · answer #6 · answered by bleuprincesse15 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Were not the dentists so we really cant answer this for you... the best way to get a solid answer is to go to your dentist.
2006-09-01 02:36:30 · answer #7 · answered by Brittany 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's best to ask ur dentist.
2006-09-01 01:25:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ya ok
2006-09-01 01:24:18 · answer #9 · answered by Angel 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋