Nail biting is a common habit many people have, but it can lead to several health and aesthetic issues. If you’re wondering why you should stop biting your nails, read on to learn all the reasons this habit can be detrimental.<\/p>\n
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Nail biting can damage nails and cuticles, lead to infections, harm teeth, and is also socially unacceptable<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In this comprehensive article, we will examine the various health risks associated with nail biting, the effects it can have on physical appearance, and provide tips for how to quit this harmful habit.<\/p>\n
Nail biting can lead to numerous issues with the nails and cuticles, including:<\/p>\n
These effects are often unsightly and painful. The more you bite the nails, the worse the damage becomes over time. In severe cases, aggressive biting can destroy the nail beds and distort nail growth permanently.<\/p>\n
Putting your fingers in your mouth introduces all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Nail biters are at an increased risk of developing infections such as:<\/p>\n
In rare cases, nail biting habits can lead to severe infections requiring hospitalization. One example is Ludwig’s angina – a serious cellulitis which can block the airway.<\/p>\n
Habitual nail biting can also damage teeth. Problems include:<\/p>\n
The excessive force applied while chewing nails can fracture teeth over time. This damage also allows more bacteria to accumulate on teeth. One study found tooth decay was 3.6 times more likely in nail biters compared to non-biters<\/b>.<\/p>\nEffects on Physical Appearance<\/h2>\n
Damaged Nail Beds<\/h3>\n
Chronic nail biting can lead to inflammation, infection, and permanent damage to the nail beds. As the nails are bitten down repeatedly, the skin around the nail beds gets torn and injured. This allows bacteria and pathogens to enter, leading to pain, redness, swelling and pus formation.<\/p>\n
In severe cases, permanent scarring and distortion of the nail plates and cuticles can occur. Recurrent infections may also kill the nail root cells, preventing future nail growth.<\/p>\n
Habitual nail biters often have nails of irregular lengths and shapes. As nails are bitten randomly based on stress triggers or unconscious habits, some nails become extremely short while others may be left longer.<\/p>\n
This causes uneven, jagged nail ends instead of the smooth, uniform crescent typical of healthy nails. Misshapen nails may also curve in unusual directions or become fragile and thin over time.<\/p>\n
Intense nibbling and pulling of the nail cuticles leads to torn, irritated skin around the nails. The cuticles act as seals to prevent bacteria entry, so damaging them allows infection which manifests as redness, swelling, and pain. Inflamed cuticles are also more prone to painful hangnails.<\/p>\n
A 2021 survey by the American Academy of Dermatology<\/a><\/b> found that 87% of nail biters had visible cuticle damage<\/b> and inflammation.<\/p>\n Nail biting is often viewed as an unclean, unhygienic habit. When done frequently in public, it can elicit reactions of disgust from others. Some consider it a sign of anxiety or nervousness. This perception can lead to feelings of embarrassment and low self-esteem in those who bite their nails.<\/p>\n Many nail biters do it as a response to stress, anxiety, boredom or nervousness. It can become a coping mechanism or displacement activity. Nail biting peaks during stressful events. Some research shows that 25-30% of teens bite their nails due to anxiety.<\/p>\n Experts say the repetitive behavior provides temporary relief from the triggers.<\/p>\n Having unattractive fingers with ragged, bitten nails can cause self-consciousness and lower self-confidence. This is especially true for teens concerned about their appearance and acceptance from peers. Nail biting may affect their willingness to participate in activities like sports.<\/p>\nSocial and Psychological Impact<\/h2>\n
Perceived as Unhygienic Habit<\/h3>\n
Sign of Nervousness or Anxiety<\/h3>\n
Low Self-Esteem<\/h3>\n