Could nail biting reshape the jaw? X-Rays may reveal hidden effects
NCT ID NCT07740889
First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether the habit of nail biting is linked to changes in the jawbone's structure. Researchers will examine existing dental X-rays from children aged 8 to 10, comparing those who bite their nails with those who don't. Using special imaging analysis, they will measure bone complexity and thickness in the lower jaw to see if any differences appear. The goal is to understand if this common habit might influence jaw bone health.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If a link is found, it could point to nail biting as a factor in jaw bone changes, possibly guiding dental monitoring or early intervention.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, retrospective study using existing X-rays, so it can only show associations, not cause and effect. Results may not apply broadly.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
The study population will consist of systemically healthy children aged 8-10 years who previously underwent routine dental examination at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. Existing panoramic radiographs obtained during routine clinical care will be retrospectively analyzed. Participants will be categorized into two groups according to the presence or absence of nail biting habit. A minimum of 100 participants will be included, with equal distribution between the nail biting habit group and the control group and balanced sex distribution. Mandibular bone characteristics will be evaluated using fractal dimension analysis and panoramic radiographic morphometric indices, including mandibular cortical width, panoramic mandibular index, mandibular cortical index (Klemetti index), and other mandibular bone measurements. No intervention will be performed; only existing radiographic records will be assessed.
- Ages
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8 to 10 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 8-10 years who were examined at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. * Systemically healthy participants. * Participants with available diagnostic-quality panoramic radiographs obtained during routine dental examinations. * Participants with and without a history of nail biting habit. * Panoramic radiographs with sufficient image quality for fractal dimension analysis and mandibular morphometric measurements. * Radiographs without periapical pathology in teeth adjacent to the regions of interest (ROI) used for fractal analysis. * Participants with at least 20 existing teeth. * Radiographic records with available parental radiographic information and consent documentation. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with systemic diseases or conditions that may affect bone metabolism, including diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, renal diseases, hypothyroidism, or hyperparathyroidism. * Participants using medications that may influence bone density or bone metabolism. * Participants with temporomandibular joint disorders affecting the subcondylar region. * Participants with mandibular pathological conditions, including cysts, tumors, or other lesions affecting mandibular bone structure. * Participants with periapical pathology adjacent to the regions selected for fractal analysis. * Participants with fewer than 20 teeth. * Panoramic radiographs with insufficient diagnostic quality or image artifacts that prevent reliable measurements. * Radiographs that do not allow accurate evaluation of mandibular cortical and trabecular bone parameters.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
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The official record
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