Nail biting, often a childhood habit, usually won’t last till adulthood. But, in some cases, this unhygienic habit may continue into adulthood causing embarrassment and, more importantly, infections that ultimately lead to sickness in some cases.

Often, people indulge in nail biting when they are nervous, bored or simply because they enjoy the experience. WebMD says biting nails becomes less common after the age of 18 but it can certainly continue into adulthood. In fact, biting fingernails can also be a symptom of a psychological condition such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Plus, nail biting can cause severe damage to the nails and the surrounding skin.

According to an article published in howstuffworks.com, bitten nails are not attractive, as is the act of biting your nails. When children bite their nails, bacteria is transferred back and forth between the mouth and fingers.

Some ways to stop this dirty habit in children is:

• Keep their nails trimmed short
  
• Keep their hands busy by getting a rubber ball that they can keep on squeezing
  
• Make them practise yoga or exercise as a distraction from the urge to bite.
  
• Educate them about the harmful effects of the habit
  

Parenting.com has also suggested praising yourself or your child whenever she does not attack her nails.

Remember that nail biting is one habit that can’t be stopped at once. But with patience and willpower, this habit can be overcome. To know more about ways to stop nail biting in children, please flip through the pages of this ClipBoook.