Nail biting is a sad and increasingly common epidemic among teenagers, and it’s particularly common among girls — the American Academy of Pediatrics reports that 51 percent of teens who bite their nails do so frequently. Do you know why you’re biting them? A surprising number of kids’ very correct behavior can lead to unintended trauma to their nails — an avoidance tactic, a protective shield, a treat for a pinched nerve, or even a sexual plaything (though this behavior is currently considered “disturbingly common,” according to The American Academy of Pediatrics).
Nail biting is actually considered a disease by the American Academy of Pediatrics, one that can cause irreparable damage to your nails (which are made from keratin protein) and other soft tissue and jaw tissue (causing trauma and increasing the risk of future damage to the lining of the mouth). Just when you thought you had a normal and healthy nail, you’ve done more damage than you realized — and luckily, there are steps you can take to stop biting your nails.
Stay away from food
While your diet might not be to blame for your nail biting, eating foods or snacks that get stuck in your teeth can cause sores or ulcers to pop up, despite the fact that a bite doesn’t necessarily cause any wound. Enzyme inhibitors or other drugs like ibuprofen (used to treat viral and bacterial infections) are also effective (and safe) ways to break down food in your mouth to help digest it.
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Don’t bite your nails at night
If you’re a kid, it can be especially hard to brush your teeth at night — and while that might be the normal way you prefer to brush, this doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t bite your nails. Nails are slippery and sharp at night, and if you take your time to brush them, you’ll likely come in contact with your own raw nails during the cleaning process. While you might want to finish brushing, it’s a good idea to put your nails in a sterile dish and brush your teeth (without using your fingers) overnight before bedtime.
Use a handy tool when picking
If you suspect that you’re biting your nails, you’ll have to take a closer look at them — there’s a good chance you’re pulling or twisting the tip of a finger or nail so that you’re not allowed to bite. The tip of your nail can open and shut if left standing, and that doesn’t look good if you’re picking your nails. A helpful tool would be a lip ring, a little tablet holder, or something similar, but it could also be useful to just nip your nails in the bud. If you’re unsure about whether you’re bitching or just biting your nails, consider having a friend take a look at them, as you may be looking at sensitive areas of the skin.
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