Life & Beauty Weekly

Yes. And it’s smart to address the habit now. The longer she bites, the more problems it can cause. If she bites frequently, the repetitive nature of the habit will cause abnormal wear on teeth after just a few years.

Since most people tend to use the same few teeth every time they bite their nails, those teeth may chip, wear down at odd angles or end up shorter than the rest. Nail fragments can even lodge under the gums and cause inflammation, swelling and pain. (Similar damage can occur by using teeth as tools -- to open packages or break thread, for example.)

To derail her habit, talk to your teen about applying a special clear nail polish that has a bitter taste (available at most drug stores).

Your Expert

Nancy Dougherty, D.M.D., M.P.H., is a clinical associate professor and director of the postgraduate program in pediatric dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry. She is also an attending pediatric dentist at Bellevue Medical Center in New York City.