Health Consequences
Biting nails can lead to broken skin on the cuticle. When cuticles are improperly removed, they are susceptible to microbial and viral infections such as paronychia. Saliva may then redden and infect the skin.
Nail biting is also related to dental problems, such as gingival injury and malocclusion of the anterior teeth.
It can also transfer pinworms or bacteria buried under the surface of the nail from the anus region to the mouth. When the bitten-off nails are swallowed stomach problems can develop.
Medical literature reports cases of fingernails being severely deformed after years of nail biting.
Read more about this topic: Nail Biting
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