Putting your fingers in your mouth is bad because it can damage the structure of the mouth and lead to the spread of infectious diseases. This includes common oral habits such as thumb sucking and nail biting.
Risks Associated with Fingers in the Mouth
Medical and dental professionals understand that placing fingers in the mouth carries health risks. These risks fall into two main categories based on the reference provided:
1. Damage to Mouth Structure
Certain habits involving putting fingers in the mouth can negatively affect the physical structure of the mouth, especially over time.
- Thumb Sucking: Prolonged thumb sucking, particularly in children, can influence the alignment of teeth and the shape of the palate (roof of the mouth). This may lead to orthodontic issues requiring corrective treatment later on.
- Nail Biting: While perhaps less impactful on structure than thumb sucking, chronic nail biting can still cause dental problems, including chipped or cracked teeth and damage to the gums.
2. Spread of Infectious Diseases
Hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up germs, bacteria, and viruses. When you put your fingers in your mouth, you transfer these pathogens directly into your body, increasing the risk of getting sick.
- Germ Transmission: Think about touching doorknobs, keyboards, or shaking hands. These actions deposit germs onto your fingers.
- Entry Point: The mouth is a direct pathway for many common infections, including colds, flu, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
Summary of Risks
To summarize the key points from the reference:
| Oral Habit (Examples) | Potential Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Thumb Sucking | Damage to mouth structure | Misaligned teeth, palate shape changes |
| Nail Biting | Damage to mouth structure | Chipped teeth, gum damage |
| Putting Fingers in Mouth Generally | Spread of infectious diseases | Increased risk of illness (colds, flu, etc.) |
How to Avoid the Habit
Minimizing or stopping the habit of putting fingers in your mouth is important for maintaining good oral health and preventing the spread of disease. Strategies can include:
- Awareness: Recognizing when you are doing it.
- Hygiene: Washing hands frequently to reduce germ transfer.
- Finding Alternatives: Engaging hands in other activities or using stress relievers.
By understanding the potential for structural damage and disease transmission, it's clear why avoiding this habit is advisable.
