Nail biting is a habit that not only results in fingernails that are less attractive, it is a process that involves putting fingers in or near the mouth. To help prevent catching colds and flus, you need to keep your hands and fingers away from eyes, nose and mouth. Nail biting is a physical habit that may have varied underlying psychological reasons, according to Alan B. Densky, a specialist in controlling habits. Nail biting is a habit that can be broken with a graduated approach.
Step 1
Chew gum. The act of chewing helps to keep the mouth busy, and it may satisfy the urge to chew. Keep extra gum with you, and every time you have the urge to chew your nail, opt instead for gum.
Step 2
Put a rubber band around your wrist. Every time you chew your nail, snap the rubber band to give you a small jolt. This is a behavior modification technique, and it may help to cure your habit of chewing nails.
Step 3
Place gloves on your hand. This may be impractical for long periods, but it may help you get through shorter periods when the urge is strongest.
Step 4
Put a molded mouth guard in your mouth. These mouth guards are the kind designed to protect teeth for athletes. Because you cannot chew your nails when one is in place, it may help to stop your chewing habit. A mouth guard may be used when gloves are impractical.
Step 5
Apply a fingernail lotion that is designed to discourage biting to your nails. These nail applications tend to leave a bad taste in the mouth and act as reminders for people who chew their nails without realizing it.
Step 6
Try self-hypnosis. There are a number of products that help you to use self-hypnosis techniques to help you break the habit of chewing your nails.
Tips and Warnings
- Working to relieve underlying stress can help reduce the psychological need to chew nails.
Things You'll Need
- Chewing gum
- Rubber band
- Gloves
- Mouth guard
- Fingernail lotion
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