There aren’t many habits that hold a worse reputation than nail biting, and still, that never seems to stop us. Nail biting, also known as onychophagy or onychophagia , is an oral compulsive habit. It is sometimes described as a parafunctional activity, the common use of the mouth for an activity other than speaking, eating, or drinking. Sometimes, nail biting can be a sign of emotional or mental stress. It tends to show up in people who are nervous, anxious or feeling down. It’s a way to cope with these feelings.
The top reason to stop biting your nails is because it could actually kill you! Underneath your nails is the perfect place for nasty bacteria to hide and thrive. Nail-biting can cause teeth to move out of place, or interfere with the way the upper and lower teeth should overlap. It can also leave teeth worn down or chipped. Biting the nails down too far can damage the source of the nail. This can cause nails to grow back in a bumpy or ridged shape. When they are too short, they may never grow back and remain stumps forever!
You may not see a change overnight, but with a little time and effort, you can bust your nail-biting habit. Cut them short. If there’s not enough nail to grab with your teeth, it won’t feel as satisfying when you give biting a try. Find something to fiddle with -- a stress ball, a worry stone, or even a pen to click. Chew gum so your mouth has a job. Give your nail-biting energy another place to go.
Thanks for reading.
