What Is Nail-Biting: Its Symptoms, Consequences, and How to Treat It
If in an article we already delved into onychoschizia, in this one we focus on what is onychophagia. We must take into account that behind some habits we do there may be a psychological problem. This is the case of nail biting and the emotional meaning it has. Here we explain it, in addition to mentioning its possible causes, consequences and effective treatments to abandon this action.
What is onychophagia?
To discover what onychophagia is, we first address this concept. Its origin is Greek. It comes from the words onyx (nail) and phagein (to eat). Hence it is defined as the mania or bad habit of biting the tips of the fingers of our hands.
It is seen as a negative practice, given the effects it has on health.
We are talking about a repetitive, unconscious or unwanted and compulsive act. Quite common, we can see it in people of all ages. Although it predominates in children and adolescents, if it becomes a habit , it lasts into adulthood.
Causes of onychophagia
Its causes may be several. One of them is imitation with learning, seeing that our friends or relatives carry it out regularly. The others are often linked to psychological states such as suffering from high levels of stress and anxiety, being nervous or even bored.
Being an introverted or shy person can also trigger the mechanism in order to release tension. The same happens if we have a low self-esteem, because through onocophagia this problem is externalized. In the most important cases, nail biting with emotional significance may be related to an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Physical and psychological consequences
Now that we have defined what onychophagia is, we review below the physical and psychological consequences it can produce:
- It wears down the enamel of our teeth, since chewing requires the teeth to collide with each other. This causes small fractures, especially in the upper incisors.
- Cavities are the result of bacteria that we may have under our nails getting into the mouth.
- Likewise, oral infections, such as the appearance of sores or herpes, are caused by contamination of the oral cavity. Even our gums can suffer from gingivitis.
- Bad breath, derived from the two previous consequences described above.
- Alteration of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be another effect of repeated biting. Because the tension in the bones and muscles of the area creates pain and chewing problems.
- Nail deformity, caused by uneven breaks in the fingertips.
- Injuries around the nails, as the skin under the nails and the cuticle are damaged. Bacterial infections such as paronychia can also occur, the symptoms of which are swelling and redness around the nail.
On the other hand, given the relationship between nail biting and its emotional significance, this habit can create a feeling of guilt or shame. Especially, because of the image we give of our affected fingers. Something that leads to increased anxiety and nervousness, so we enter into a constant vicious circle.
Onychophagia and its treatment
It is not easy to give up onychophagia and a main treatment consists of attacking the factor that originates it. In order to neutralize that stimulus. If we have willpower, we can achieve it, always with the help of a psychologist, to focus on the problem.
The normal thing is to resort to relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, in addition to the positive reinforcement of our environment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is another useful tool if the cause is more serious, such as having OCD or generalized anxiety.
Once we know what onychophagia is and the most commonly used treatment to combat it, specialists also advise using bitter enamel or splints on the teeth. In case it is difficult to stop this practice, with both formulas it is possible to use the hand in other activities when the desire to bite arises.
If the cause is psychological, we recommend taking a supplement such as G7 Neuro Health, composed of biotin and organic silicon. It helps to improve the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, to help accelerate the healing of wounds on our nails, there is G7 Beauty, with selenium, vitamin E and also organic silicon. It promotes collagen production, helps to harden the nails and enhances their growth.
In conclusion, now that you know what onychophagia is, it only remains for you to apply what we have explained about it, if you suffer from it. Remember that it is a habit that is detrimental to the dental and physical health of your fingers.
