Bearded Dragon Nails?

My beardie woke up from burmation a few weeks ago, his nails are quite long and he does not seem to be keeping them trimmed like he use to. I don't want to cut them as I know this can be painful as the skin is to the tip on most and he used to keep the in check himself. Is there anything else I can do? I heard before you can introduce small pebbles into the floor of his tank, will this be ok, or uncomfortable for him to walk on. I know they are not desert animals so I presume an uneven surface is natural? ANy other suggestions. Two of his toes are starting to be affected by it now and i want to remedy it as quick as possible. It does not affect his climbing or walking they are not that bad at all but as I said two toes are showing the signs of bending clic to nails that are too long so I need to sort is out.