There could be many different causes that result in the nail biting habit in individuals.

According to psychologists, nail biting is something that you do out of a need for control. There are many stressful things in our lives that cause us to lose control:

Losing a loved one
Leaving home
Trying new things
Going through changes
Traumatic experiences
Increased stress levels. 

It is believed that people who are stressed or worked up have a greater tendency to bite their nails. Nail biting is very common in children and teens in the age group 10 to 18 years. The habit may develop in kids and teens as a result of boredom. They may just bite their nails when they have nothing else to do.  Kids may also imitate others and start biting their nails.

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Nail biting can really have some bad effects on your health as well as your skin. Nail biting is not very dangerous but it does have several health related effects. For instance, when a person bites their nails, there are greater chances of infection and bleeding on the skin close to the nail. Biting your nails doesn’t just leave you with short fingernails, but you’ll find that your fingers will often become red, inflamed, and sore if you bite them often. Similarly, when a person bites his nails, all the germs and bacteria accumulated in the nails enter the bloodstream through the mouth. This may be a cause of several diseases in the long run. 

If you bite the nails or cuticles too short, you could open a wound. The bacteria in your mouth will fester in that wound, as will any bacteria that your hands come in contact during the day.

You could end up with infected fingers thanks to your nail biting, and that infection can spread throughout your body every time you touch yourself.

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It is clear that nail biting is really not a healthy habit. Dermatologists and nail experts are the ones who know best about these tendencies. Here are words from experts regarding this habit in kids and adults:

A dermatologist from NYU Langone Medical Center, Chris Adigun, MD, says that wart virus HPV is more common among people who have the nail biting habit.These warts spread to the mouth and lips of the person after infecting the fingers.

An expert on nail disorders from Weill Cornell Medical College, Richard Scher, says the instances of gum disorders are greater in case of nail biters. The teeth shape is uneven and improper in case of constant nail biters. He also adds that nail biting may also result in gastrointestinal diseases due to the bacteria that enter your mouth through your nails.

Did you know that biting your nails also does damage to your teeth? Grinding your teeth on the tough fingernails can cause them to not only be weakened in their gum sockets, but can even cause them to become misaligned. You’ll find that weak teeth are more susceptible to infection, and bringing more germs to your mouth just increases that infection risk drastically.

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Ways To Get Rid of Nail Biting

Keep your hands covered in gloves so that you don’t get that ardent desire to bite your nails as they are not exposed.

Distract your mouth by chewing something else like a Lollypop or a candy.

Maintain your nails in the best condition possible.

Regular manicured and well-shaped nails may just tempt you to grow them better.

Consume foods that are rich in calcium and magnesium so that your nails grow beautifully and quickly.

If there is any cause for stress or tension, find someone and communicate the matter. It will help you stay relieved. It will also prevent the stress from coming out in the form of habits like nail biting.

Women may use nail polish with obnoxious smell and flavor to prevent themselves from biting nails.

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Replace Your Habit
If your nervous habit is to bite your fingernails, it’s time to replace that old habit with something new. Nervous habits are never healthy for you, but at least you won’t be biting your nails. Try things like:
Playing with a paper clip
Fiddling with rubber bands
Twiddling your thumbs
Eating a carrot or celery stick
Playing with a stress ball
Chewing gum
Putting your hands into your pockets
Folding or clasping your hands

Use Spices
If you want to make it harder to bite your nails, you can try one of the following tricks:
Drip Tabasco sauce over your fingernails
Dip your fingers in chili pepper
Sprinkle cinnamon over your fingernails

Once you stop biting your nails they will not only look better, but they can also give you some insight on your health. Your nail color actually tells you a lot.

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The shape of the nails and any unusual markings on the nails can actually be signs of other health issues.

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