Fighting the Nail Biting

Nail biting is a fairly common habit among children, teenagers, and young adults. Research suggests that 30% of children ages 7-10, 45% of teenagers, and 25% of young adults bite their nails.

People most often bite their nails when they're focusing on a different task (like reading, homework, or television), are bored, or are experiencing stress, excitement, or anxiety. Many times people don't even realize they are biting their nails because it has become a habit - some people bite their nails in their sleep.

Why is nail biting considered such a bad habit? Continual nail biting leaves your fingers red and sore and can even cause them to bleed. In some cases, you may get an infection on your fingers or in your mouth. It's also very unsanitary. Think of everywhere your fingers have been and all the germs that are being put into your mouth! Finally, nail biting is bad for your teeth and can cause permanent damage to your fingernails.

Many times, people who bit their nails are embarrassed to show their hands or fingers. Here are give suggestions for "fighting the nail biting" to help you break your habit and feel confident in your hands and fingers.

1. Maintain your fingernails by regularly trimming and filing them. If they are short and kept, you will be less likely to bite them.
2. Get a manicure regularly or use nail polish. If your nails look nice or you spend a little money on them, you may not be so inclined to bite them.
3. Coat your fingers or fingernails with a bitter-tasting nail polish. Every time you go to bite your nails, you will have a nasty taste in your mouth.
4. Wear gloves or put stickers or bandages on the tips of your fingers to remind you not to bite.
5. Substitute nail biting for a different activity like drawing, writing, playing with Silly Putty, or using a stress ball. Find a different technique like yoga or meditation to manage stress.

 

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