Nail biting (onychophagia) is a common parafunctional habit characterized by repetitive and non-functional biting behavior. Although the effects of nail biting on dental structures and occlusion have been reported, its potential effects on mandibular bone structure remain unclear. This retrospective radiological study aims to evaluate the association between nail biting habit and mandibular bone characteristics using fractal analysis and panoramic morphometric indices. Existing panoramic radiographs of individuals with and without nail biting habits will be retrospectively analyzed. Trabecular bone complexity, mandibular cortical width, panoramic mandibular index, and Klemetti index values will be compared between groups to investigate whether nail biting habit is associated with alterations in mandibular bone morphology.
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.
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.