Effects of Nail Biting (Onychophagy) on Upper Central Incisors in Children and Young Adolescents
Source abstract
Abstract
Nail biting (NB) is a repetitive and uncontrolled parafunctional activity that can affect oral health by altering tooth shape and intraoral position. Nowadays, there is not enough scientific evidence about the impact of NB on teeth; therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of NB on the length, width and inclination of upper central incisors. This retrospective study involved 76 patients, 40 males and 36 females, with a mean age of 10.6 ± 0.3 years. Digital scans of the maxillary arch of each patient were recorded. Next, the length, width and inclination of upper central incisors used and not used for NB were measured. Finally, data were analysed with a paired t-test. Statistical analysis showed statistically significant differences in the length and inclination of upper central incisors used for NB compared with those of upper central incisors not used for NB, while the width did not show a significant difference. There were relevant changes in upper central incisors subjected to NB, demonstrating that NB impairs the shape, morphology and inclination of teeth. Therefore, because of the potentially negative consequences of NB, it is recommended that NB not be underestimated.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Pediatric health and respiratory diseases · Respiratory and Cough-Related Research · Rabies epidemiology and control
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Dental School of Foggia, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Dental School of L’Aquila, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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