Effect of a chronic nail-biting habit on the oral carriage of Enterobacteriaceae

Abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by Dr Trevor Watts

Abstract

More of these pathogens were found in the mouths of nail-biters.

Main

Baydas B, Uslu H et al. Oral Microbiol Immunol 2007; 22: 1–4

In children with poor hygiene, enteric bacteria may enter the body as a result of nail-biting and cause infections. This study compared salivary samples in 25 nail-biters and 34 without the habit. There was no difference between mean plaque indices for the groups.

Among nail-biters, 15 patients had Escherichia coli and 4 others, Enterobacter species. Respective numbers in the control group were 7 and 2. The difference for E. coli was significant (P = 0.002) but not that for Enterobacter spp. The authors suggest that dentists should advise nail biters to quit the habit, with help if necessary.