Nail biting generally results in the transfer of germs from your nails into your mouth. It is the same at nail salons also. When nail salon tools are used on different persons, it could lead to infection. People generally find using the hands a lot more difficult due to biting nails. Most of the compulsive nail biters find it difficult to write, draw, drive and type. Sustained biting for long period of time could also lead to substantia adamantinea of the front teeth which could lead to caries.
It is quite surprising that there are many who claim that hypnosis proves quite useful to stop nail biting. There are many who claim that sheer will power could also do the trick. There is one more popular option. It is using nail biting creams. You need to paint your nails with this very bitter tasting nail cream and you are never going to put your nails in your mouth once you do it.
These quit biting nails creams boast of some good characteristics. Creams to stop biting nails generally contains aloe and vitamins A and E and all the ingredients being used are natural. Stop biting your nails creams also works wonders for your cuticles making it all smooth and makes your nails stronger. And there is no age bar as such for using these creams.
Despite all such good effects of stop nail biting creams, the problem is that it is not a permanent solution. You apply the cream and its disgusting taste doesn't allow you to put the nails into your mouth. But once you stop applying the cream what happens? Yes, you revert back to the same old habit of biting your nails and all the good effects that your nails and cuticles experienced vanish.
It might sound surprising but there are many types of medications available to stop nail biting. Some of these medications like some of the recent anti-depressants prove very effective. The same medications like fluoxetine, clomipramine, paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram, citalopram, nefazodone and venlafaxine also prove effective in treating Trichotillomania (the compulsion to tear or pluck out the hair on one's head and face and often to ingest it) and OCD.
These anti-depressants might be used with anti-psychotics in small amounts to enhance the effectiveness of anti-depressants. Anti-psychotics like olazapine, risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole and ziprasidone are generally used to cure schizophrenia. But this doesn't mean that if you are being treated to stop nail biting with these, you are a psychotic. To stop biting nails, your physician might use B vitamin inositol which enhances serotonin activity in the brain resulting in lessening of nail biting tendencies.
With medication one could also go for behavioral therapy to stop biting nails. It starts with Habit Reversal Training (HRT) which includes four parts and intends to make you stop biting and if possible make you learn a better constructive habit. Then you have the Stimulus Control therapy which is used to recognize and remove the stimulus for nail biting.
Various aversion therapies exist to stop biting ones nails. It might be coating the nails with some kind of special nail polish which tastes bitter. One could war a rubber band on the wrist. Friends and family members could also point out whenever and wherever one starts nail biting. Eating chewing gum has also helped some to stop biting my nails. If you keep a record of your previous bites, it might reveal the reason for it.
1. Avoid using your nail as a screwdriver. As your nails grow longer and stronger, you'll be tempted to use them to help pick and pry things open.
Using your nail to get a price tag off an item seems quick and easy. Unfortunately it stresses your nail leading to broken nails. Use a knife or other tool to remove the tag.
2. Use a tip from models by wearing rubber gloves for cleaning and washing dishes. Detergents, cleaning supplies, soap and dishwater dry out your nails, which can cause breaks and peeling.
3. Moisturize your cuticles to avoid hangnails. Keep a small container of cuticle oil or moisturizer by your bed. Every night before you go to sleep generously apply the oil or moisturizer to your cuticles.
4. Be prepared for rough edges on your nails as they grow out. Instead of biting the nail to smooth it out, use an emery board. Buy a large package of emery boards. Place one in your desk at work, in your pocket or purse, and in various places throughout your house. That way if a rough edge catches, you're prepared.
5. Use a gentle nail polish remover to avoid drying out your nails. Acetone-based nail polish removers can quickly remove polish, but they remove moisture as well. Nails low in moisture tend to peel and break.
6. Buff your nails to shine and increase circulation to your nail beds. Lightly buffing your nails every other day can improve the appearance and growth of your nails. The key is light buffing. Heavy buffing can damage the nail.
7. Defend your nails against fungal infections. Dry your hands completely when washing hands. Buy your own set of manicure tools. Don't borrow or share manicure tools or emery boards from others. If you are having a professional manicure make sure the tools are sterilized between uses. To better protect yourself, bring your own manicure tools to the salon.
8. Eat a healthy diet to encourage the growth of strong nails. Foods high in calcium such as milk and broccoli can really help. Talk with your healthcare practitioner about the benefit of taking supplements such as biotin.
9. Don't cut cuticles, moisturize them. When washing your hands, gently push back the cuticles with a towel. Before bed when you apply hand lotion or cuticle oil, gently massage the cuticles. With time excess cuticle tissue will disappear.
If you are having a professional manicure and a person starts cutting your cuticles, stop the person. Cuticles are the first barrier guarding against infection for your nail beds
10. Take nail infections seriously infections can spread quickly from one nail to the next. Don't pick or poke at nail infections. Let your health care practitioner know. You may need antibiotics or other treatment to get rid of the infection.
Your plan to stop nail biting is important. Give yourself every possible advantage to growing strong healthy beautiful nails. You owe it to yourself.
Both Bob Dylan & Sherry Merrill are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Bob Dylan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Beauty Tips, Yoga and Hypnotherapy. Bob helps people stop biting their nails, with no creams or will power. check out to get a free report to stop nail biting.. Bob Dylan's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.
Sherry Merrill has sinced written about articles on various topics from Yoga, Hypnotherapy. Having bitten her nails for over 20 years Sherry Merrill speaks from experience. In one week using hypnosis she stopped her nail biting. In the privacy of your home you can too. Make sure you check. Sherry Merrill's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.