General Question

fizzbanger's avatar

Nail biters: Ever had cracks in your front teeth?

Asked by fizzbanger (2765points) January 16th, 2012

So, I’m a pretty terrible nail biter, and today I noticed some very faint cracks in my front teeth (only visible up close in a mirror in daylight). Of course, I Googled it, and apparently nail biting (and tooth grinding, and natural strain) can cause small tooth enamel cracks called “craze lines”, and they are generally not an issue unless the breakage goes beyond the enamel.

Have you ever had this happen to your teeth because of nail biting? Did it ever get so bad that it required dental work?

I know I need to stop.

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8 Answers

ANef_is_Enuf's avatar

I have cracks in my front teeth, but, they are damaged from an accident I had as a child. I never noticed them getting any worse from biting my nails. I do grind my teeth, though, but… again, they don’t look any worse. My dentist goes berserk over my “beautiful” teeth every time I visit, so, I’m not concerned.
Why not ask your dentist?

fizzbanger's avatar

@ANef_is_Enuf My dentist’s office isn’t open until tomorrow due to MLK Day. Just curious about how common this is. Thanks!

ANef_is_Enuf's avatar

@fizzbanger oh.. I didn’t mean today. Are you having an issue that makes you think it is urgent?

fizzbanger's avatar

@ANef_is_Enuf No, I’m just a chronic worrier. It’s not urgent or anything.

ANef_is_Enuf's avatar

@fizzbanger eh, then I wouldn’t worry. Next time you see your dentist, ask their opinion. I’ve had these lines in my teeth for the overwhelming majority of my life (I think I was six when I fell, if I remember correctly)... and no issues.

digitalimpression's avatar

I’ve been hit in the face with rocks, pipes, baseballs, and amazingly enough (less frequently) fists. My teeth have done pretty good at taking the heat but I had some similar cracks too. You will be ok, just stop that nail biting!! =)

A lot of dental problems are hereditary and a great deal of problems are trauma related.. like being hit in the face..

captainsmooth's avatar

I’ve been biting my nails for the better part of 35 years, and I don’t have any cracks in my teeth. I don’t grind my teeth though.

fizzbanger's avatar

@ANef_is_Enuf Thanks for the reassurance. :)

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