What is onychophagia: its symptoms, consequences and how to treat it

If in a previous article we looked in depth at onychoschizia, in this one we focus on what onychophagia is. We must bear in mind that behind some of the habits we do there may be a psychological problem. This is the case of nail biting and the emotional significance it has. Here we explain it, as well as mentioning its possible causes, consequences and effective treatments to stop this action.

What is onychophagia?

To find out what onychophagia is, we first look at the concept. Its origin is Greek. It comes from the words onyx (nail) and phagein (to eat). Hence, it is defined as the habit or bad habit of biting the tips of our fingers.

It is seen as a negative practice, given the health effects it causes.

We are talking about a repetitive, unconscious or unwanted and compulsive act. It is quite common and can be seen in people of all ages. Although it predominates in children and adolescents, if it becomes a habit it lasts into adulthood.

Causes of onychophagia

There may be several causes for this. One is imitation with learning, seeing our friends or family do it on a regular basis. Others are often linked to psychological states such as high levels of stress and anxiety, nervousness or even boredom.

Being an introverted or shy person can also trigger the mechanism in order to release tension. The same happens if we have low self-esteem, as this problem is externalised through onocophagia. In the most important cases, nail biting with emotional significance may be related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Physical and psychological consequences

Having defined what onychophagia is, we now review the physical and psychological consequences that it can produce:

• The enamel of our teeth is worn away, as chewing requires the teeth to collide with each other. This causes small fractures, especially in the upper incisors.
• Cavities are the result of bacteria that we may have under our nails getting into our mouths.
• Similarly, oral infections, such as the appearance of sores or herpes, are caused by contamination of the oral cavity. Even our gums can suffer from gingivitis.
• Bad breath, resulting from the two previous consequences described above.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disturbance can be another effect of repeated biting. Because the stress on bones and muscles in the area creates pain and chewing problems.
• Deformation of nails, caused by inhomogeneous breaks in the fingertips.
• Lesions around the nails, as the skin under the nails and the cuticle are damaged. Bacterial infections such as paronychia can also occur, the symptoms of which are swelling and redness around the nail.

On the other hand, given the relationship between nail biting and its emotional significance, this habit can create a feeling of guilt or shame. Especially, because of the image we give of our affected fingers. This leads to increased anxiety and nervousness, so we enter a constant vicious circle.

Onychophagia and its treatment

It is not easy to give up onychophagia and a main treatment is to tackle the factor that causes it. In order to neutralise the stimulus. If we have willpower, we can achieve this, always with the help of a psychologist, to focus on the problem.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, as well as positive reinforcement from our environment, are often used. Cognitive behavioural therapy is another useful tool if the cause is more serious, such as having OCD or generalised anxiety.

Once we know what onychophagia is and the most commonly used treatment to combat it, specialists also advise using bitter enamel or splints on the teeth. In the event that it is difficult to stop this practice, with both formulas it is possible to use the hand for other activities when the desire to bite arises.

If the cause is psychological, we recommend taking a supplement such as G7 Neuro Health, composed of biotin and organic silica. It helps to improve the functioning of the nervous system. In addition, to help accelerate the healing of wounds on our nails, there is the G7 Beauty , with selenium, vitamin E and also organic silica. It promotes collagen production, helps to harden nails and enhances nail growth.

In conclusion, now that you know what onychophagia is, you only have to apply what we have explained about it, if you suffer from it. Remember that it is a habit that is detrimental to the dental and physical health of your fingers.