In the Know for You to Know

Doesn’t every child bite their nails? Did you? I definitely did.

Nail biting may seem like a harmless habit, but it can take a toll on a child’s teeth. Frequent nail biting can increase the risk of chipped teeth, irritated gums, and even introduce extra bacteria into their mouth.

If you’re working on breaking the habit, there are a few things you can do to help combat the nail biting.

Here’s what I want you to know.

When Does Nail Biting Start?

Nail biting begins during childhood, increases during adolescence, and declines as children get older. Although for some this may continue into adulthood.

Why Do Children Bite Their Nails?

It’s important to understand their Why!

Nail biting can be a sign of:

• Stress relief,
• Nervous about difficult situations or tasks,
• Need to put something in their mouth,
• Boredom.

How To Help Stop Nail Biting

Tips for you to help your child stop nail biting:

• Keep hands busy with activities, fidget toys or games like puzzles;
• Gently remind in a kind way,
• Come up with a code word as a reminder so as not to draw attention to the child,
• Try to identify the reason and in what situations the behavior occurs,
• Take weekly pictures of their nail growth to show their progress,
• Take care of their nails to keep them looking nice,
• Look up videos about the germs under the nails,
• Reward positive changes.

What I Want You To Know

If you’ve noticed your child biting their nails, you’re not alone. Nail-biting is something so many children (and parents) deal with.

This isn’t something you have to fix overnight. This isn’t something you’ll change overnight. What’s most important is helping your child feel seen, heard, supported, empowered; and definitely not judged.

Anyone in the family bite their nails? Have they stopped? How long did it take? What did they do to stop their nail biting? What do you wish you knew sooner? If you’ve found something that helped your child stop biting their nails, Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!