In daily life, you may have encountered such scenes: children casually put their fingers into their mouths while engaging in various activities, chewing on their nails or the skin around them. This habit may seem ordinary, but it actually hides psychological and physical hazards for children. Let’s delve into this behavior and listen to the analysis of professional physicians.
Biting nails, known in the medical field as “onychophagia,” goes beyond a simple behavioral habit. It is a manifestation of children’s inner tension and external pressure acting together. When children face high pressure, anxiety, fear, or loneliness, they may resort to nail-biting to soothe emotions, such as during stressful exams, family disputes, or friend conflicts, it becomes their emotional haven.
Furthermore, nail-biting may also reflect physiological needs, such as deficiencies in essential elements like calcium, zinc, prompting children to develop specific substance cravings. In infancy, exploring the world with the mouth is instinctual, and nail-biting is part of this process. Additionally, imitation of adults or peers’ behaviors is also one of the reasons why children develop this habit.
However, the consequences of nail-biting should not be underestimated. It may lead to nail deformities, fragility, cracking, or even loss, damaging the appearance and potentially interfering with finger function. Moreover, skin injuries, infections around the nails, and even swallowing nail fragments could threaten the digestive system. Oral hygiene is also a concern, as bacteria entering the mouth through fingers may cause bad breath, gum inflammation, and long-term habits may affect dental health and aesthetics.
So, how to correct this habit? The first step is to identify triggers, communicate with the child, explore the underlying psychological or physiological issues, and seek medical help promptly. Secondly, distraction strategies can be employed, such as providing chewing gum, finger covers, engaging in entertaining activities like drawing, playing musical instruments, to reduce the urge to bite nails. Creating a loving and secure family environment, encouraging children to establish positive social relationships, is also crucial.
The nail-biting habit in early childhood, if left untreated, may pose dual physical and mental challenges for children in adulthood. Parents should take it seriously and act with love and understanding, paving a healthy path for their children’s growth, teaching them to face life’s challenges with a more positive attitude, nurturing confidence and courage.
