If you’re reading this, chances are you have a habit of biting your nails. Let me tell you, there are plenty of reasons why you should never bite your nails – ever! While it may seem like just a small issue, nail biting can have far-reaching negative impacts on your life beyond simply not looking nice. Let’s explore some of the lesser-known ways that nail biting can harm you.
1. It Can Lead to Infections
One of the most concerning problems associated with nail biting is the risk of infection. When you bite your nails, especially if you have long nails, you’re introducing all the germs from your mouth under your skin, potentially even into your bloodstream. Needless to say, this is not good for your health.
Think about all those signs we see at work and in public restrooms reminding us to wash our hands before returning to our activities. The main way that germs, bacteria, and viruses spread is through touching contaminated objects and then touching our eyes, lips, or sticking our hands into our mouths. Nail biting is a perfect invitation for the spread of communicable diseases.
2. It Can Damage Your Teeth
Your front teeth, the ones that are perfect for biting nails, are not designed for sustained chewing. They are meant for tearing and ripping, not for the constant pressure of nail biting. Since the keratin in your nails is one of the hardest substances in your body, continuously biting your nails can cause serious damage to your teeth.
When you swallow your nails, not only is it disgusting, but you’re essentially ingesting tiny razor blades. These shards can tear your stomach lining, leading to various serious issues, including internal bleeding.
4. It Can Increase Blood Pressure
Nail biting is often a response to stress. However, biting your nails does not alleviate stress, and the negative consequences that come with it, such as comments about your appearance or lack of control, can further increase your stress levels.
5. It Makes You Look Bad
Let’s face it: most people are primarily concerned with appearances. Even though nail biting is slowly harming your health, the perception of being someone who bites their nails is what truly scares people off. Very few individuals take a nail biter as seriously as someone who doesn’t bite their nails. Normally, chewing your nails is seen by adults as a “childish habit” that you should have outgrown in your pre-teen years. If you didn’t outgrow such an obvious childish habit, other adults might start wondering what other child-like behaviors you may still possess.
So, whether you’re a habitual nail biter yourself or know someone who is, remember these five compelling reasons why you should never bite your nails – ever! It’s time to kick the habit.
