{"id":93128,"date":"2017-09-11T03:35:17","date_gmt":"2017-09-11T10:35:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.nailcarehq.com\/?p=93128"},"modified":"2025-06-18T13:35:29","modified_gmt":"2025-06-18T20:35:29","slug":"nail-biting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nailcareheadquarters.com\/nail-biting\/","title":{"rendered":"Nail Biting – Using Science To Quit"},"content":{"rendered":"
NAIL BITING<\/span><\/h6>\n

\"Biting-Nails-nail-care-hq\"Nail Biting – Can Science Help Us Quit?<\/b><\/h1>\n

\u201cDo you have any habits like nail\/pen\/pencil\/cheek\/lip biting, resting your head on your hand, or habitual gum chewing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Researching and writing this nail biting article\u00a0made my eyes go a little cross-eyed. <\/strong>Let me correct that\u2014A LOT cross-eyed.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, we are going to take a deep dive to uncover the psychology and nail anatomy behind nail biting to give you some insights on the best ways to overcome this painful, destructive and frustrating habit.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

This article is broken down into three parts:<\/p>\n

Part 1:<\/strong> The Research about Nail Biting<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 2:<\/strong> The Function of Habit in Nail Biting<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 3:<\/strong> Possible Solutions for Nail Biting<\/span><\/p>\n

PART 1: The Research About Nail Biting<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Since nail biting not discussed in my nail bible\u2014Doug Schoon\u2019s book (<\/span>Nail Structure and Product Chemistry)\u2014<\/span><\/i>I needed to dust off my research skills from high school and college.<\/span><\/p>\n

I poured through articles from <\/span>PubMed, NCBI, Wikipedia, Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, Brazilian Oral Research, Psychology Research and Behavior Management, Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience <\/span><\/i>and many others<\/span>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The biggest takeaway from all this research was a little bit of a disappointment<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

There just aren\u2019t enough studies<\/strong> about nail biting. It’s tough to really make solid conclusions.<\/span><\/p>\n

A number of the hypotheses and research studies I read often contradicted each other.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The articles were littered with words like \u201csuggested,\u201d \u201csuspected,\u201d \u201ccontroversies,\u201d \u201ccontradictory reports,\u201d \u201cnot clear,\u201d and \u201cspeculation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now how am I supposed to make sense out of all that?<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The Purpose Behind Weird Habits<\/b><\/h1>\n

What I <\/span>do<\/span><\/i> know is that our behavioral habits serve a purpose.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

All habits have consequences or results. Whether the consequence is good or bad, it\u2019s up to us<\/strong> to continually decide which result we want.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, if you want to be healthy, you choose to eat well and exercise. The result is better health.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to stay alive<\/strong> while driving your car, you choose to drive on the correct side of the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

These examples might seem like easier choices than stopping nail biting. And this could be true.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some of our habits we do without even noticing or paying attention. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nail biting is one of those habits. <\/span><\/p>\n

So, how do we change<\/strong> something we don\u2019t even realize we\u2019re doing?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nail Biting:\u00a0How To Get The Most Out of This Article<\/b><\/h1>\n

Today\u2019s article is going to be filled with nitty gritty research article quotes<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

After each quote, I\u00a0offer a translation into something that\u2019s easier to understand<\/strong> if you\u2019re just looking for the important stuff. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This for those of you who just want the gist of the research. <\/strong>Just look for the sections titled “Ana’s Interpretation” with my photo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Onychophagia <\/span><\/i>(AH-nih-koe-FAY-gia)<\/span><\/i>, defined as habitual nail biting, is a common disorder affecting 20-30% of the population and all age groups. It may lead to significant psychosocial problems, have a negative impact on quality of life, and cause complications involving both the nail unit and the oral cavity…Since onychophagia is a challenging disorder to treat, a multidisciplinary approach should be taken involving dermatologists, internists, pediatricians, psychiatrists, and dentists. ~PubMed<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Ana\u2019s Interpretation<\/b><\/h3>\n

The many causes for nail biting<\/strong> include stress, boredom, anxiety, depression, loneliness, heredity, imitation of a family member, prior thumb-sucking habit, inactivity, and poorly manicured nails.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll see in the rest of this article that many of the negative attempts to help others don\u2019t work.<\/strong> Punishment, nagging and threats, ridicule, and application of bitter tasting solutions really don\u2019t work. <\/span><\/p>\n

In many cases, these types of attempts can actually make the problem worse.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment is most effective<\/strong> when directed at the root cause of the behavior<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

For nail biters to change their behavior, they have to <\/span>want<\/i> to make the change.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some Medical Definitions for Nail Biting<\/b><\/h1>\n

Definition<\/b><\/h3>\n

The operational definition of NB is \u201cputting one or more fingers in the mouth and biting on the nail with teeth\u201d.\u00a03<\/sup>\u00a0The habit of NB is often limited to fingernails, and most of the individuals with the habit do not have any preference for biting any of the fingernails.\u00a04<\/sup> This behavioral problem has been reported in children and adults.<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Classification<\/b><\/h3>\n

Nail biting (NB) is not a pathological condition in all times and all clients. However, it is not exactly clear where the border between the healthy and unhealthy behavior of NB is. Nail biting in healthy children is temporary and does not last very long. The frequency, intensity, and duration of pathological NB are higher than those in normal individuals. Uncertainties for the distinction of pathological and nonpathological NB are also reflected in the classification of psychiatric disorders. While some behavioral problems such as trichotillomania (hair pulling) are classified as an impulse control disorder in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), NB is not classified in DSM-IV.6<\/sup> Nail biting can also be classified as a self-injurious behavior such as pathological skin-picking or as a stereotypic movement disorder.5<\/sup> Others believe that NB is a part of obsessive compulsive disorder spectrum.6<\/sup><\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Ana\u2019s Interpretation: \u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Nail biting isn\u2019t always an obsessive or compulsive behavior. Many people outgrow it or are able to stop the habit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Often times nail biting is a symptom of something bigger.<\/strong> <\/span><\/p>\n

Nail biting could<\/strong> fall in the category of Impulse Control Disorder<\/strong> like compulsive hair pulling.<\/p>\n

Many of us by now have been diagnosed with some sort mental disorder. <\/span><\/p>\n

While some of the mental disorders are commonly known as depression and anxiety<\/strong>\u2014nail biting can be a symptom of ADHD, OCD, ODD,<\/strong> and a host of other mental disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Nail Biting Age Related?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Nail biting usually does not start until the age of three or four years.<\/span>7\u00a0<\/span><\/sup>There are contradictory reports about the prevalence of NB. The prevalence of NB increases from childhood to adolescence and then decreases in adulthood.<\/span>7\u00a0<\/span><\/sup>It is not clear what percentage of the children with NB behavior stops it, and will not suffer from it later. Nail biting was not related to gender, conduct problems, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and peer problems.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Ana\u2019s Interpretation: \u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

Usually, nail biting starts during childhood and is outgrown. For some people though, the behavior continues into adulthood. It\u2019s really not understood why. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nail biting isn\u2019t exclusive to gender, certain conduct issues, lack of attention, hyperactivity or struggles with other students or co-workers.<\/span><\/p>\n

It seems that most of the studies have been done with children. I\u2019m not sure why. Perhaps it\u2019s because it\u2019s easier to gather data from them quickly. It\u2019s also possible that children don’t have the additional work and relationship stress factors that adults have.<\/p>\n

I find it interesting that nail biting increases during adolescence<\/strong> but\u00a0<\/span>supposedly isn\u2019t related to peer problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Humm… Even though it\u2019s been over 25 years since I attended high school, I\u2019m pretty sure that it\u2019s still riddled with cliques and peer problems.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nail biting is probably because of rampant insecurity and self-loathing that is common among children.<\/p>\n

Different stressors can certainly increase the intensity of a nail biting habit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Epidemiological Factors<\/b><\/h2>\n

Epidemiology is the study and analysis of the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is the cornerstone of public health and shapes policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive health care. [Source: Wikipedia]<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Connection between TMJ Disorder and Nail Biting<\/b><\/h2>\n

The rate of finger and nail biting in patients suffering temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction was about 24.1%.<\/span><\/i>8<\/sup> <\/span><\/i>Therefore, it is recommended to inquire about oral habits such as NB in all temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction. Moreover, patients with temporomandibular joint pain and dysfunction should be consulted as part of their management.<\/span><\/i>8<\/span><\/i><\/sup><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ana\u2019s Interpretation:<\/b><\/h3>\n

I wore braces twice to correct TMJ Disorder<\/strong>. <\/span><\/p>\n

My jaw would lock shut or painfully pop while eating. I once dated someone who said I was a dainty\u00a0eater. I had to take small bites because I could barely open my mouth!<\/span><\/p>\n

My orthodontist told me to never chew gum<\/strong> and to wear my retainers every night<\/strong> for the rest of my life!<\/span><\/p>\n

He said that the human jaw is not supposed<\/strong> to be constantly chewing. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is why grinding teeth at night is also a problem. Biting nails can tire the jaw also.<\/span><\/p>\n

E. Coli and Nail Biting<\/b><\/h2>\n

Oral habits like thumb sucking and nail biting are pernicious habits that act as an adaptive function in obtaining pleasure and subduing anxiety. These habits may also act as carriers of numerous microorganisms into the oral cavity, of which, Enterobacteriaceae members are transient pathogens, which might result in debilitating systemic conditions.10<\/sup>\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The Enterobacteria species isolated in our study were E. coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Enterobacter. Of these, the most commonly isolated Enterobacteria among all three groups was E. coli (in 12 subjects), whereas the least isolated Enterobacteria was enterobacter (3 subjects). Our results are consistent with the results of Baydas et al. and Sushma et al.9<\/sup> who showed a greater isolation of E. coli. Other organisms such as streptococci, staphylococci, pseudomonas, and candida were also seen along with Enterobacteria.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Literature revealed that environmental organisms can be inoculated into the oral cavity through paranormal habits like nail biting resulting in transmission of infections to other parts of the body, by contaminated hands or environmental objects, which may be responsible for the cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.9<\/sup><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

This indicates the greater prevalence of E. coli in humans among different population groups. Studies by earlier authors reported that E. coli were the most frequently isolated organism among Enterobacteriaceae family in different systemic illnesses. With these data, it can be suggested that E. coli gets a channel of entry into the oral cavity through the chronic nail biting and thumb sucking habits and can be a perpetrator of local and systemic infections.10<\/sup><\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ana\u2019s Interpretation<\/b><\/h3>\n

Although it can calm anxiety, nail biting has a dirty little secret\u2014you\u2019re eating bacteria<\/strong> that can make you very sick. <\/span><\/p>\n

The most common bacteria found is E. coli<\/strong> in research studies, but other organisms like strep, staph, pseudomonas, and candida were also found.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, bacteria don’t always die in the mouth. It can spread to your internal organs. Infections can lead to diseases and even death.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/h3>\n

Nail Biting and E. Coli in Your Mouth<\/b><\/h2>\n

The Research Says:<\/b><\/h3>\n

The presence of a nail biting habit indicated a higher plaque index, which in turn showed a higher carriage of Enterobacteria spps, predominantly Escherichia coli.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Accumulating evidence suggests the impact of the dental diseases on the general health of the individual, warranting a harmonious relation of the microorganisms with that of the oral tissues, albeit any shift in this balanced ecology would unfold a series of events that might result in a disease status.10<\/sup><\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ana\u2019s Interpretation:<\/b><\/h3>\n

People who bite their nails tend to have more plaque on their teeth, which makes a nice environment for E. coli to flourish. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dental diseases<\/strong> can also mess with the good bacteria in your mouth. <\/span><\/p>\n

Hand Washing<\/h3>\n

Here are some interesting statistics about hand washing.\u00a0They’re pretty shocking.<\/strong><\/p>\n