Nail Biting in Kids: Causes, Solutions and Risks

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among children and adolescents. It is estimated that up to 60% of children and 45% of teenagers bite their nails at some point in their lives. Nail biting is not only unhygienic, but it can also cause damage to the nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. Moreover, it can be a sign of underlying emotional or psychological issues that require attention.

In this article, we will discuss the reasons why children bite their nails, the effects of nail biting on health, and some tips to help parents tackle this habit in their children.

What causes nail biting in children?

Nail biting can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from stress and anxiety to boredom and curiosity. Here are some of the most common reasons why children bite their nails:

1. Stress and anxiety

Children who are anxious or stressed may bite their nails as a way to relieve their tension. Nail biting can be a coping mechanism for children who are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about a particular situation, such as a test, an exam, or a social event.

2. Boredom

Children who are bored or have nothing to do may bite their nails as a way to occupy their time. Nail biting can become a habit that children engage in unconsciously, without even realizing they are doing it.

3. Hereditary factors

Nail biting may be hereditary, meaning it can be passed down from one generation to the next. If parents or siblings have a habit of biting their nails, children may also develop this habit.

4. Coping mechanism for hunger

One theory is that nail biting may be a coping mechanism for hunger. When a person is hungry, their body may release stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can trigger nervous habits like nail biting. Additionally, some people may use nail biting as a way to distract themselves from feelings of hunger.

What are the effects of nail biting on health?

Nail biting can have a negative impact on a child’s health in several ways. Here are some of the most common health effects of nail biting:

• Infection: Nail biting can lead to bacterial or fungal infections on the fingers and nails. This is because the mouth is home to a lot of bacteria that can be transferred to the fingers and nails when children bite their nails.
• Damage to the nails and cuticles: Nail biting can cause damage to the nails and cuticles, leading to bleeding, inflammation, and pain. Repeated nail biting can also make the nails weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to breakage and infection.
• Dental problems: Nail biting can also lead to dental problems, such as chipped or cracked teeth, misaligned teeth, and jaw problems. This is because nail biting can put pressure on the teeth and jaw, leading to wear and tear.
• Social stigma: Children who bite their nails may be stigmatized or bullied by their peers, leading to social isolation and low self-esteem.

Tips for parents to help their children stop nail biting

If your child has a habit of nail biting, here are some tips that may help you tackle this issue:

Identify the triggers

The first step to tackling nail biting is to identify the triggers that cause it. If your child bites their nails when they are stressed, you may need to help them find alternative ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, meditation, or exercise.

Offer positive reinforcement

Praise your child for not biting their nails and offer positive reinforcement, such as a small reward, when they are successful in breaking the habit. This will motivate your child to continue their efforts.

Create a distraction

Help your child find alternative ways to keep their hands busy, such as playing with a stress ball, squeezing a soft toy, or drawing. This can help distract them from the urge to bite their nails.

Keep their nails short

Keeping your child’s nails short can help reduce the urge to bite them. If there is less nail to bite, the habit may become less satisfying for your child.

Apply a bitter nail polish

There are special nail polishes available that have a bitter taste. These can be applied to your child’s nails to discourage them from biting them. However, it’s important to ensure that the nail polish is safe for children to use and does not contain harmful chemicals.

Talk to your child

Talk to your child about the dangers of nail biting and why it’s important to stop. Be patient and understanding, and avoid criticizing or punishing your child for their habit.

Seek professional help

If your child’s nail biting habit is severe or is affecting their quality of life, it may be time to seek professional help. Your child’s pediatrician or a mental health professional can help identify underlying issues and develop a treatment plan.

Most common parenting mistakes that worsen nail Biting habits

While there are many effective strategies to help children stop nail biting, there are also some common parenting mistakes that can make the problem worse. Here are some things that parents should avoid doing when trying to help their child overcome this habit:

Criticizing or punishing your child

Nagging, criticizing, or punishing your child for nail biting can be counterproductive. It can increase their stress and anxiety, which can make the habit worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and praise your child for their efforts.

Ignoring the problem

Ignoring the problem and hoping that your child will outgrow it on their own can be a mistake. Nail biting can become a habit that is difficult to break, and the longer it continues, the more damage it can cause to the nails and surrounding skin.

Making comparisons with other children

Comparing your child’s nail biting habit with other children can be hurtful and damaging to their self-esteem. Each child is unique and may have different reasons for biting their nails.

Using scare tactics

Telling your child scary stories about the dangers of nail biting, such as getting sick or losing a finger, can be counterproductive. It can increase their anxiety and stress, which can make the habit worse.

Being inconsistent

Inconsistency in addressing nail biting can confuse your child and make it more difficult for them to break the habit. It’s important to be consistent in applying strategies and offering positive reinforcement to help your child stop nail biting.

Being too controlling

Being too controlling or restrictive can also be counterproductive. It’s important to give your child some autonomy and control over their own habits. This can help them feel more motivated and invested in breaking the habit.

Making negative comments in front of other people

This can be embarrassing and humiliating for the child, and may even cause them to become more anxious or stressed, which can exacerbate the habit. Instead of shaming or embarrassing the child, parents should talk to their child in private and offer positive reinforcement and encouragement.