It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but it’s also the most stressful time of the year, isn’t it? For a lot of people, the holiday season is one that’s filled with busy days, family drama, and concerns about budgeting for gift shopping. So it’s no wonder that so many people start exhibiting some pretty bad habits, like nail-biting, as a result of all of the tension.
Are you the type of person who bites their nails when frazzled? Then you might find yourself chewing on your nails more often than usual as the holidays approach and the year draws to a close. But did you know that this habit could harm your teeth?
Biting your nails all the time doesn’t just wreck your nails; it could also do some damage to your pearly whites.
Here are a few of the effects that biting your nails could have on your teeth and gums:
Want to take control and stop biting your nails? Here are a few easy steps that you can take:
If you bite your nails when you’re stressed, you certainly aren’t alone. In addition to the steps above, finding ways to unwind could also be beneficial when it comes to getting rid of this unhealthy habit.
Consider taking some time to care for yourself every day. Examples of self-care include scheduling time to exercise or do yoga, meditating for a few minutes, or spending time alone. You could also consider strategies like treating yourself to a relaxing spa treatment on a regular basis or pursuing a hobby that takes your mind off of your troubles. And experts recommend getting enough sleep, eating right, and spending time with people who bring you joy. These small steps might help you overcome your stress and eliminate the need to bite your nails in an effort to cope.
Bottom line: the holidays can be stressful, and the added stress might be what triggers your unhealthy nail-biting habit. But having an understanding of what causes you to bite your nails, and taking steps to stop yourself, will help you keep your teeth and gums healthy and your nails looking perfect.