It is a common habit in both children and adults.
Nail biting can be defined as a type of behavioral disorder or impulse control disorder that generally begins at the age of 3-4. If nail biting has become a habit, the underlying reason for the behavior should be examined.
Oral period may be attributed to psycho-sexual development disorder. These are: less or more nutrition, long-term breastfeeding, problematic relationship with the mother.
These are the behaviors he does to cope with the emotions and thoughts he feels in the face of events. The child is experiencing stress, fear, worry and anxiety. At the same time, he/she encounters actions such as humiliation, criticism and punishment. When the family constantly warns the child to bite his nails, this puts pressure on the child and can cause him to constantly bite his nails. This is one of the reasons why it becomes a habit.
Nail biting habit can sometimes turn into habits such as lip biting, hair curling, nose picking, pencil chewing. Sometimes, a child who sees someone in his family or close circle biting his nails may try to model/imitate this behavior.
Harms of Biting Nail:
In case of biting one's nails, illnesses such as stomach infection may occur. Many infectious diseases can occur due to constant contact of nails with the mouth. There may also be deterioration in the jaw joint and tooth structure.
So What Should We Do In This Case?
Cut your nails regularly and have a manicure. This protects your aesthetic perception and prevents you from being exposed to social exclusion.
You can use materials that will keep your hands busy (playing with a small ball or dough).
Doing crafts and chewing gum keeps your hands and mouth occupied.
Cover nails with a band-aid. To make it more fun for children, you can buy colored band-aids or band-aids with pictures.
You can apply bitter nail polish to your nails.
If the habit of biting nails continues despite all this, cognitive and behavioral therapy approaches can be used. Eating disease can be treated.
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