Dentist: Nail Biting, Teeth Grinding May Impact Teeth.
According to the Los Angeles Times (11/15, Dwass, 3.6M), “Nail biting is probably the most common nervous habit,” but people also “gnaw on things like pens, pencils and ice.” In addition, some bite on “the inside of the cheek, as well as nonstop teeth clenching and grinding, all anxiety related, says USC dentist Saravanan Ram, an expert in orofacial pain.” Teeth grinding and clenching may increase with SSRI medications, typically given for depression and AD/HD. These “long-term chewing habits can cause wear and tear of teeth, as well as jaw clicking and pain.” To stop these habits, Ram suggests chewing sugarless gum or candy instead. In addition, “teeth clenching and grinding may require wearing a dental appliance, which, Ram says, should be made by a dentist.”
