Ask Dr. Scheier: What's so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, Dr. Mitchell Scheier found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Scheier or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Dr. Mitchelle Scheier and staff

Is tooth decay preventable?

Good question - yes, in fact, tooth decay is totally preventable! Tooth decay, which is caused by sugars left in your mouth, can turn into an acid, which in turn can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason: many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit Dr. Mitchell Scheier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry every six months (or as recommended) for regular dental cleanings and checkups. Dr. Scheier and team may recommend fluoride treatments along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended for children because they "seal" the deep grooves in children's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your regular checkups.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out this helpful article about kids and tooth decay, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.

Let us know if you have any questions - we want to hear from you on Facebook as well!

Today marks the 25th anniversary of MLK Day

The activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was integral to the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are many ways that you can answer this question, whether it is participating in a environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, or serving veterans and military families. Are you in search of a Day of Service project? You can always ask Dr. Mitchell Scheier, or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website.

All of us here at Dr. Mitchell Scheier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry would love to hear what you’re doing for others in our Havertown, PA community. We encourage you to share any pictures, videos, or information about your Day of Service project on our Facebook page. Happy MLK Day!

Why do you choose Dr. Mitchell Scheier and team?

It is the goal of dentist Dr. Scheier and team to provide the very best dental, and cosmetic dentistry services in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. Our passion is designing an incredible smile that will give you the confidence for success in both your personal and professional life. Have you had a great experience at our Havertown office?

Please share your story with the world!



Simply select the "Review Us On Google Places" icon to write a review for Dr. Scheier and team. Thank you!

Is it time to replace your toothbrush?

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Scheier will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Dr. Mitchell Scheier Family and Cosmetic Dentistry if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Meet Our Dentist

Dr. Mitchell D. Scheier, who believes that the best approach to dental care is prevention, has been practicing dentistry for the past 27 years, 24 of which have been spent treating patients here in Havertown.

With his warm and welcoming personality, it’s no surprise Dr. Scheier cares on an individual level about each and every one of his patients. His passion is designing an incredible smile that will give you the confidence for success in both your personal and professional life. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School, Dr. Scheier is dedicated to updating his knowledge and continuing education courses, so he may provide the finest treatment possible for his family of patients.