The OPTISMILE Podcast 57 – Parafunctional Habits – Nail Biting — Small Habit, Big Damage
Episode Summary:
02:07 – Why is nail biting such a big problem for your teeth?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Nail biting seems harmless, but it wears down and cracks your front teeth, which aren’t designed to act like nail clippers. Over time, it creates tiny fractures—much like hitting a porcelain cup with a spoon every day. The repetitive trauma builds up into costly damage, especially when biting cuticles, which worsens wear patterns and inflammation.
03:39 – What kind of damage can it cause over time?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Teeth develop micro cracks and chips, particularly on the incisal edge (biting edge). Wear increases and teeth may shift subtly. Because the teeth continue erupting, wear often goes unnoticed. Nail biters may eventually require Invisalign or restorations. Composite bonding and veneers are at risk of breakage from this subtle, constant pressure.
05:07 – Are there risks to the gums or jaw as well?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Yes—nail fragments can lodge under gums and trigger infections. If there’s existing gum disease, repeated trauma can lead to loosened teeth or bone loss. Biting motions also strain the jaw joint (TMJ), especially when patients bite at an angle, unknowingly exacerbating muscle tension and joint misalignment.
06:36 – Can nail biting affect cosmetic dental work like Invisalign or veneers?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Absolutely. Micropressure can shift Invisalign-treated teeth over time—even with retainers. Veneers, especially porcelain ones, are strong but thin and vulnerable to edge chipping. Composite bonding also chips easily when patients forget and resume nail biting. OptiSmile warranties some work, but not when habits continue repeatedly.
08:06 – Is nail biting linked to stress or anxiety, and do people realise they’re doing it?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
It’s often subconscious and triggered by stress, boredom, or anxiety. Patients usually only notice the consequences—bleeding cuticles, short nails, chipped teeth—not the behaviour. It often starts in childhood and can even run in families. Once established, it becomes an automatic habit that’s very difficult to break.
09:51 – Can a manicure help stop the habit?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Yes. Both men and women benefit from grooming. Spending money on well-maintained nails discourages biting. It’s also important socially—chewed fingers and chipped teeth can make you look older, nervous, or unprofessional in settings like job interviews.
11:05 – Are there general health risks from putting your fingers in your mouth all the time?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Definitely. Nail biting increases your risk of bacterial and viral infections. From norovirus and E. coli to COVID, hands pick up germs from doorknobs, phones and escalators. Biting your nails is a direct transmission path into your mouth. Additionally, oral bacteria can infect open wounds around bitten nails, creating a two-way infection route.
12:55 – How can someone tell if nail biting is already causing dental damage?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Check your front teeth in bright light (like your car’s rearview mirror). Look for ragged edges, chipping, hairline cracks or sudden sensitivity when biting into food. If your dentist asks, “Are you biting your nails again?”—it’s probably visible. Also, look for short nails, ridges or small infections near the cuticle.
14:17 – What practical tips actually work to help someone stop?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Awareness is key. Bitter nail polishes help condition the behaviour. Stress management—therapy, fidget toys, mindfulness—can address triggers. Regular manicures, keeping nails short, and setting personal rewards can also help. One unique tip: snap a thick elastic band on your wrist whenever you catch yourself doing it—negative reinforcement works for many.
17:02 – When should someone visit a dentist, and how can OptiSmile help?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
If you notice chips, sensitivity, or wear—book a check-up. OptiSmile offers edge bonding, custom splints, and Invisalign to correct misalignment. Injection-moulded bonding is a cost-effective and repairable alternative to veneers. In persistent cases, we may recommend retainers or daytime splints to protect enamel and discourage the habit.
19:39 – Final advice to nail biters?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile:
Nail biting is a small, unconscious habit that leads to major dental problems. Stopping now can prevent thousands in dental bills. Your teeth are for smiling and chewing—not grooming. Try bitter polish, carry a stress ball, or use the elastic band technique. Protect your smile, and your wallet, by kicking the habit early.
Further Reading & Resources
- Injection Moulded Composite Bonding and Veneers
Explore how OptiSmile’s advanced injection-moulded composite bonding technique can restore chipped or worn teeth caused by nail biting. This minimally invasive method offers a durable and aesthetic solution without the need for extensive tooth preparation.
🔗 https://optismile.co.za/dental-solutions/injection-moulding-technique/ - What You Need to Know About Dental Bonding
Learn about the benefits of dental bonding, a cost-effective and reversible procedure ideal for repairing minor tooth damage from habits like nail biting. This article details the process and longevity of bonding treatments.
🔗 https://optismile.co.za/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-dental-bonding/
Tips for Long-Lasting Veneers and Daily Oral Hygiene
Discover maintenance strategies for veneers and bonding, including how to prevent damage from nail biting and other habits. This guide emphasises the importance of professional cleanings and proper oral hygiene practices.
🔗 https://optismile.co.za/blog/maintaining-your-perfect-smile-long-lasting-veneers-and-bonding/
Full Transcript
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (00:04 – 01:22)
Hello and welcome to the Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth podcast series focusing on parafunctional habits—the unconscious or stress-related things we do with our mouths that can wreak havoc on our teeth, jaws and overall health. If you’ve already listened to Episode 42, you’ll know we took a deep dive into bruxism—that’s teeth grinding—and also TMJ disorders, the big players in causing headaches, jaw pain, and tooth wear.
But beyond grinding, there’s a whole spectrum of lesser-known and often overlooked habits: nail biting, cheek and lip biting, ice chewing and more.
And these can be just as damaging over time, leading to chipped teeth, infections, TMJ strain and even chronic headaches. So, in the next few episodes, we’ll uncover these small habits with big consequences—offering practical tips to break them, protect your smile, and of course, save your money by avoiding expensive dental repairs.
And joining us again, as always, is Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile, leading digital dentist. Dr Yudelman, are you well?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (01:22 – 02:07)
I’m good, thank you, Eon. Great to hear your voice. That was a great intro.
I feel like we’ve already done all three episodes—your intro was so well put together. Well done.
Yeah, this nail biting one is quite close to my heart because I have some family members who have struggled with it. And it was during last week’s episode that I had the idea to do one specifically on nail biting.
We do see a lot of it at OptiSmile. And the other two episodes should also be very good. So I’m all ready—
You’ve got some nice questions today.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (02:07 – 02:25)
Yeah, it’s going to be very interesting. We often see people biting their nails. And I mean, when you look at their nails, you can see it. But you never realise how it affects their teeth.
So I want to ask you, Dr Yudelman—why is nail biting such a big problem for your teeth? It seems harmless to a lot of people.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (02:26 – 03:39)
Yeah, it looks totally innocent on the surface. It’s not like you’re chewing on concrete. But from a dentist’s perspective, your front teeth simply aren’t designed to function like built-in nail clippers.
Over time, repeated chewing and biting exerts little bursts of pressure on specific areas of the enamel at the edges. It causes tiny cracks and chips. It’s like hitting a porcelain mug with a spoon every day. Eventually, you’ll see a fracture.
Beyond mechanical damage, nail biting often triggers gum inflammation. And it definitely causes wear.
It shortens the edges of your teeth if you’re constantly nibbling. Let’s be clear—this includes cuticles. People who bite their cuticles often rub their teeth together more than just picking bits of nail. Despite being a small habit, the cumulative effect is huge.
It’s essentially micro trauma happening thousands of times over months and years. And that can cost you big money once the real damage shows up as cracks or broken front teeth.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (03:39 – 03:44)
And what kind of damage can nail biting actually do to your teeth over time?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (03:45 – 05:06)
It causes your teeth to develop micro cracks and chips at the incisal edge—that’s the biting edge of your front teeth. They’re often invisible at first until one day you bite into something firm and a piece just snaps off or you suddenly experience jarring sensitivity.
It also accelerates general wear and tear on the enamel, making teeth more prone to staining and cavities, especially on the edges.
And it can actually shift the position of your teeth. As your teeth wear down, they keep erupting, so they keep touching. You don’t realise they’re getting shorter because they’re continually erupting to compensate.
We see many Invisalign cases at OptiSmile resulting from this type of wear.
If you’ve had orthodontic work like braces or Invisalign, nail biting applies forces that your teeth aren’t expecting. If you’ve got composite bonding or veneers on your front teeth, you risk fracturing that expensive dental work.
It’s a slow, stealthy form of self-inflicted damage.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (05:07 – 05:15)
Sure, it sounds serious. I also want to ask you, Doctor—any risks beyond your teeth, like for your gums or your jaw?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (05:16 – 06:36)
Definitely. For the gums, bits of nail can get stuck underneath and cause infections. I’ve seen teenagers with infected gums from nail fragments.
Also, repeated trauma—what we call occlusal trauma—can loosen teeth, especially if someone already has gum issues. It can even cause bone loss.
From a jaw perspective, that repetitive biting motion contributes to muscle tension. It’s not as forceful as grinding or clenching, but it’s chronic stress. People bite harder and harder, aggravating the TMJ.
They tend to move their jaw off to one side or the other just to get their teeth into a position to bite. I’ve had many patients with pain on one side of the jaw. When I examine them, I can see they’ve been biting their nails or lips. I ask them to mimic the motion and it hurts—though subconsciously, they didn’t realise it was the cause.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (06:36 – 06:43)
Cosmetic problems, especially for people who’ve had Invisalign or veneers—can nail biting cause issues there?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (06:44 – 08:06)
Absolutely. If you’ve spent money on Invisalign to straighten your teeth, nail biting can gradually shift those teeth out of alignment due to constant micropressure and wear.
It’s like pushing on a fence post every day—eventually, it tilts.
Even if you’re wearing retainers, it’s not a guarantee. As for veneers and bonding—it’s even riskier. Porcelain veneers are strong but thin. Used like a nail clipper, they chip. Composite bonding can fracture or separate from the tooth.
At OptiSmile, we do a lot of injection-moulded composite bonding, and if we see chipping, it’s often because the patient forgot and bit their cuticle or nail.
We warranty our work—but not if someone’s repeatedly damaging it with nail biting.
If you’ve invested in your smile, don’t sabotage it with a subconscious habit.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (08:06 – 08:27)
Very often, you hear people say, “Oh, that was a nail-biting experience,” meaning it was stressful or anxiety-inducing. So we know nail biting is linked to stress or anxiety—but do people even realise they’re doing it?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (08:27 – 09:42)
That’s a great question. Yes, it’s heavily linked to stress, anxiety, or boredom.
Many patients don’t realise they’re doing it—until they see the physical effects: ragged nails, bleeding cuticles, or thickened skin.
I’ve seen terrible cases where patients are also chipping and wearing their teeth.
They think they’re just picking at a nail, and it grows back—but the dental damage accumulates.
These habits often start in childhood or during stressful exam periods and continue into adulthood.
I think there’s a genetic component too. I know one family where the father, adult children, and now grandchildren all bite their nails. It becomes an automatic coping mechanism.
You’re stuck in traffic, waiting for a meeting—and the next thing you know, your nails are in your mouth. It’s almost like autopilot. That’s what makes it so hard to stop.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (09:43 – 09:50)
I’m guessing the women with those beautiful manicured nails probably aren’t nail biters?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (09:51 – 11:02)
Exactly. In fact, that’s one way even men can break the habit—by getting a manicure.
Male grooming is becoming more popular. If you spend money to have your nails buffed and moisturised, you’re less likely to ruin them.
I’ve seen people stop biting after a few manicures. A good beauty therapist helps you take pride in your hands.
Also, first impressions matter. If you go into an interview with chewed-up fingers, the person opposite you might think you’re anxious or unreliable.
And often, nail biters also have chipped front teeth—it makes them look older and less polished.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (11:05 – 11:11)
But surely, Dr Yudelman, there must be some health risks from putting your fingers in your mouth all the time, right?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (11:11 – 12:40)
Absolutely. Remember COVID? We were all told to wash our hands constantly.
You pick up millions of bacteria and viruses from doorknobs, bathrooms, escalators, telephones—you name it.
Then you put those fingers straight into your mouth.
One of the worst is norovirus—it causes gastro, and it’s highly contagious.
And don’t forget E. coli, other tummy bugs, and fungal infections around the nails themselves.
Some nail biters end up with deformed fingernails or skin infections.
You’re also transferring bacteria from your mouth to the raw skin around your nails. It’s a two-way street.
So yes—nail biting is an open invitation for germs.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (12:46 – 12:54)
And then you wonder where you picked up that cold or stomach bug…
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (12:55 – 14:07)
Exactly. If you’re wondering whether nail biting is already affecting your teeth, do this:
Look in a mirror—ideally, the rearview mirror in your car on a sunny day. The light there is brilliant.
Get up close and look at the edges of your front teeth. Are they ragged? Chipped? Hairline cracks?
Do you feel a jolt of sensitivity when biting into an apple?
Your dentist might be dropping hints too. If they ask, “Are you biting your nails again?”—take it seriously.
Also, look at your nails. Are they ridged? Inflamed? Short and painful?
If so, your front teeth are likely taking a beating as well.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (14:07 – 14:17)
Dr Yudelman, what can people actually do to stop nail biting? Any practical tips—especially for those at their wits’ end?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (14:17 – 16:55)
Yes! First step: awareness. You need to catch yourself just before your finger enters your mouth.
There are bitter-tasting nail polishes available—they’re awful. But they work.
If you forget and bite your nail, that awful taste reminds you instantly.
If anxiety is a trigger, manage the underlying stress. Therapy, deep breathing, fidget toys—whatever helps.
Some patients have underlying OCD and may need medical support. Nail biting is just one symptom.
Also: keep nails short. Less temptation. Manicures help.
Create a reward system—“Two weeks bite-free, and I’ll treat myself.” (Not to a Rolex, unless you’re really keen!)
Here’s one quirky tip I give patients:
Wear a thick, post office-style elastic band around your wrist. When you catch yourself biting—snap it.
Pull it back about 12 inches (or 30 cm) and let go. It stings. You won’t want to do it again.
I’ve had success with this tip—some people stop in a matter of days. It’s about training your brain.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (16:55 – 16:57)
I was going to suggest a shock collar.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (16:58 – 17:01)
[Laughs] Yeah, that might work too!
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (17:02 – 17:11)
Okay, but seriously—when should someone see a dentist? And what can OptiSmile do to help a nail biter protect their teeth?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (17:12 – 19:39)
Good question. If you’re noticing chipped edges, ongoing sensitivity, or your front teeth are wearing down or changing shape—it’s time for a dental check-up.
At OptiSmile, we can smooth out existing chips or do minor “edge bonding”—that’s freehand composite bonding—to prevent further damage.
We’ll also assess your bite to check for deeper alignment issues.
If you’ve got an edge-to-edge bite caused by nail biting, we may recommend Invisalign or injection-moulded composite bonding to rebuild your teeth.
We don’t recommend veneers as a first resort. Some dentists do—scaring patients with PowerPoint presentations showing future wear and damage. But if you keep biting, veneers will just chip too.
And they’re expensive. Our lab charges us R5,000 per veneer, and that’s before we charge the patient.
That’s why we avoid recommending them unless absolutely necessary. Bonding is quicker, less invasive, and easier to repair.
We also help with behavioural strategies. We can fabricate custom retainers or bite guards—some people wear them during the day and switch to splints at night.
We’ve even had patients wear gloves to bed to stop the habit unconsciously.
The sooner you intervene, the less damage you’ll need to repair later.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (19:39 – 19:48)
Final thoughts, Doctor? What would you say to every nail biter listening who wants to save their teeth—and their money?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (19:48 – 20:40)
That’s the theme of our podcast—Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. Nail biting is a textbook case of a tiny habit with huge consequences.
It feels trivial, but it snowballs into big dental problems—both financially and physically.
Stopping now can literally save you thousands in future dental bills—not to mention the pain and frustration.
Find your triggers. Try bitter polish—they’re available online or at places like Clicks. Keep a stress ball on your desk.
Get one of those big, thick post office rubber bands. Remember: your teeth are for smiling and chewing food—not for grooming.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (20:41 – 20:46)
And don’t reward yourself by chewing on ice—that’s another problem. We’ll talk about that.
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (20:47 – 20:52)
Yes, we’ll get into that in the next episode or one after that.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (20:53 – 20:57)
Next week we’re talking about cheek and lip biting—is that right?
Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile (20:57 – 21:03)
Yes, cheek and lip biting. It’s a different story—but similar in nature.
Eon Engelbrecht – E-Radio-SA (21:03 – 21:39)
That’s going to be interesting.
Thank you so much once again, Dr Yudelman—very insightful as always.
And to our listeners, thank you for joining us. Remember, while we aim to provide valuable information, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your health.
Don’t forget to subscribe for more enlightening discussions.
Join us again next time as we continue exploring the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy.
Until then—keep smiling, take great care of your teeth… and stop biting those nails!
Contact the Best dentist in Cape Town
Book your next Dental Checkup with OptiSmile
Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, “Save Your Money Save Your Teeth” on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.