Nail biting is a very bad habit that can not only make your hands look unattractive, but if you bite your nails badly enough, you may lastingly damage your nails, your teeth, or even your gums. Nail biting is an oral compulsive habit that is known as ‘onychophagy’ or ‘onychophagia’. It typically begins in childhood and can continue through adulthood. It can directly affect your health and skin. It can also damage the tissues that make nails grow.

According to the research, most people find in that situation while sitting through an uninteresting class lecture, anticipating a career-changing meeting with your supervisor, or anxiously watching the fate of your favorite horror-movie. All over the world, 60% of children and 45% of teenagers bite their nails. However, there is no medical treatment to get rid of this problem. To help you stop biting your nails, dermatologists recommend the following tips:

The easiest method to stop nail biting habit is short nails. Keep your nails trimmed short because less nail provides less to bite and is less tempting.

In case you want long nails and do not want to trim, then apply bitter-tasting nail paint to your nails. That is the best way to discontinue the habit of nail biting.

You can also cover your nails with tape or stickers or wear gloves to prevent biting, for a few days only. Once you quit that habit, you stop wearing these things. Get a regular manicure to keep your nails looking attractive, make you less likely to bite them.

Keep your hands busy and away from your mouth whenever you feel like biting your nails. The goal is to get to the point where you no longer bite any of your nails.

Always try to keep your mind stress free and relax. And, identify other causes of nail biting habit, such as boredom, stress, anxiety, or nervousness. Try to avoid or solve these problems to get permanently rid of nail biting.

Get your health care professional’s guide, as some doctors recommend taking a gradual approach to break the habit.