Final answer:
Trimming toenails straight across can help prevent ingrown toenails, which occur when the sides of a toenail grow into the surrounding skin, leading to discomfort and potential infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trimming toenails straight across can help avoid the painful condition known as ingrown toenails. When toenails are cut too short or rounded off at the corners, they can grow into the soft tissue surrounding the nail. This can lead to discomfort, redness, swelling, and sometimes infection. To prevent this, clipping the nails straight across allows them to grow outward rather than into the surrounding skin. In addition to proper nail trimming, wearing shoes that fit well and give enough room for the toes can also contribute to preventing ingrown toenails.